Livingston boss David Martindale insists the pressure is off as they look to cause a Scottish Cup shock.
The Lions head north on Saturday afternoon to take on top flight Ross County in a fourth round tie – and they do so having ended their three game losing streak with a 2-1 victory at home to Airdrie on Tuesday night.
Robbie Fraser was the match-winner on his home debut with his fizzing strike in the second half separating the sides and taking Livi to within four points off league leaders Falkirk.
And he insists testing themselves in Dingwall will be a ‘good barometer’ for where the Championship title challengers are as they eye a quick return to the top flight.
He said: “It’s a big test but we’re going into the game with less pressure than we probably have in the competition than in previous seasons. The pressure in the game is really going to be on Ross County.
“I think Don (Cowie) has done a really good job up there and they’re quite potent in the forward areas and they have lots of energy in midfield.
“I was actually trying to sign [County striker] Noah Chilvers when he was at Colchester a few years ago after we’d signed Shamal George from them. I’ve always admired him but he was always under contract.
“He’s a great player and a real danger but he’s one of a few in the forward area.”
Having rebuilt the squad following their relegation from the Premiership last summer, Martindale reckons taking on the Staggies will show them just where they are at as a team.
He added: “Hopefully it’s going to be a good game of football, but I do think it’s one where we can go up there and enjoy the cup.
“We’ll put internal pressure on ourselves and obviously we want to go up there and win, but we’ll give it a right good go and see where it takes us. Hopefully we can be in the next round and take a Premiership scalp.
“The game is probably a good barometer of where we are as a group.”
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