Cup can cheer Lions after form slump

CHRIS INNES believes the distraction of the Scottish Cup will help Livingston get back to basics tomorrow.

With talk of financial troubles added to a downturn in results, the Lions are desperate to revive their fortunes against East Stirlingshire at Ochilview in the third round, despite boss Roberto Landi fearing he could be without six first-choice players tomorrow.

Livingston's league form has slumped following a string of injuries, with their latest setback coming last week in the 2-1 defeat to Partick Thistle at Firhill.

Central defender Innes has been candid in admitting he was at fault for the first goal, saying: "It was another disappointing result and it was mistakes that cost us.

"There wasn't much in the game except two errors, one of which I made myself. We could have picked up a point against Partick.We had a few chances but we just couldn't convert them. We simply have to get back to basics and start winning games."

Meanwhile, Landi has laughed off suggestions that the club is close to being wound up, saying there had never been a problem obtaining money for football operations under chairman Angelo Massone.

Landi has been in Europe recently scouting players for the January sales and insisted: "I was on the continent to look at three or four players with experience who could help us. There has never been a problem with money for football. For instance, when we played at Queen of the South, we went the night before, paying £2000 for a hotel stay.

"Everyday there is money for equipment, medical care, player bonuses. There has never been a problem with wages. All the players have been paid on time.

"When I decided to come to Livingston I turned down a good offer in Europe. I brought my coaching team here because I received a guarantee the new owners were serious. Football is my life, but I have a family and I took everything into consideration to check it was a concrete offer. There has never been a problem with money and I am not worried."