Andrew Shinnie opened his account for the season in stunning style with a dramatic late winner over Airdrie and says he backs himself to grab more for Livingston in their push for an immediate return to the Premiership.
The 35-year-old is back at the Lions for a third season – having initially been released by the club after their relegation in the summer – and his return really paid off on Saturday when he rifled home an unstoppable 25-yard strike in the first minute of stoppage time.
It looked like the Lions would have to settle for a point after Airdrie’s Aaron Reid had quickly cancelled out Stephen Kelly’s opener in the first half.
However, Shinnie climbed off the bench with 15 minutes to go and struck to help maintain their unbeaten start to the season, putting them within four points of leaders Ayr United, with two games in hand.
And he said: “It’s a great finish, it’s better late than never.
“We had to grind it out and it is a big three points.
“You try to come on and make an impact and that’s what the subs are for, to try and go on and win the game. Robbie Muirhead came off the bench in the last game and did it for us, and that’s why you make changes.
“We’ve got a lot of threats going forward so if we can look teams out and be good defensively, then we’ll definitely have chances to win games.
“I’ve had chances already this season and there’s been a few I would expect to do better with, so it is good to be getting in those positions. If you aren’t doing it, that’s when you need to look at things.
“I back myself when I get chances and hopefully I can get a few more goals this season.
“You want to be playing at the top level, but it is a good, exciting league and hopefully it will be an exciting season for us. I’m enjoying it and hopefully we can put a strong season together to bounce back to the Premiership.”
Shinnie had started every league game for boss David Martindale until being benched on Saturday, but insists he is happy to make any contribution he can as one of the experienced men in the changing room.
He added: “At my age now, I’m getting flung about everywhere. I’m probably an attacking midfielder but I’ve played out on the left a lot of my career, where I was playing today, using clever movement and drifting inside to create chances or open up the game.
“I’m just enjoying playing football and influencing the game, so scoring a last-minute winner is enjoyable. I’m here to do a job wherever the gaffer puts me.
“We spoke about things at the end of last season and the gaffer was open to bringing me back because of my experience, probably initially just to be part of the squad and add to the depth.
“But I have played quite a lot of games since I’ve come back. I was happy to come back and I think we’ve got a good squad that has re-energised the building.”
The Lions now face Partick Thistle at Firhill on Saturday aiming to maintain their unbeaten run.