Livingston boss David Martindale insists Joel Nouble can be the man to fire the Lions up the Premiership table.
The striker is returning from a hugely successful spell on loan at Championship leaders Arbroath and will be hoping to spark a change in fortune in Livi’s striking department.
Martindale’s men have the second fewest goals scored in the top flight this season, having found the net just 16 times in their 20 games. They have also been shutout eight times. But the gaffer believes the former Aldershot man could be just what his team needs as they look to stay clear of any relegation trouble after admitting they lacked a cutting edge during their Boxing Day loss at Motherwell.
He said: “Joel will give us a bit more physicality up top. At this point that’s something we lack.
“We’ve got good strikers in there, but we’ve seen that wee Bruce (Anderson) is probably better playing as a two. Having someone like Joel could be brilliant for him.
“I’ve been using Alan Forrest and Andrew Shinnie as false nines.
“Motherwell’s No.9 – Kevin van Veen – was the difference in the game. We spoke before and during the game about dealing with him.
“On his day he’s a very, very good striker – he’s got a wee bit of everything.”
The Livi gaffer added: “We got into really good offensive areas but we never tested the keeper. We never got crosses or balls into the box or any shots off.
“We kept the ball and were decent in possession, but there was no cutting edge.”
Nouble has been a sensation for the Red Lichties and has played a huge role in Dick Campbell’s part-timers’ unexpected rise to the Championship summit.
The 25-year-old 6ft 4in attacker has scored five times in 21 appearances for Arbroath – as well as providing several assists and being named Championship Player of the Month for September.
As part of his return to the Lions, Livingston youngster Jack Hamilton could be set for a move in the opposite direction, with Martindale admitting it could make sense for all parties. Hamilton has failed to shine in the top flight this campaign after a terrific loan spell at Arbroath last season, during which time he scored eight times in 14 league games.
Harry Panayiotou – a former team-mate of Nouble’s at Aldershot – also looks likely to leave the Tony Macaroni Arena during the January transfer window.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis striker has yet to start a game for the Lions since arriving in West Lothian in August and is exploring other options.
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