Steven Pressley wary of Lions roar now pressure is off following relegation

Steven Pressley insists Livingston’s relegation from the William Hill Premiership will make them a more difficult opponent when they visit Dundee on Saturday.

With three fixtures remaining the Lions are consigned to the Championship next season.

Dundee’s 1-0 win victory over St Mirren at Dens Park on Saturday left them in ninth place on 36 points and Kilmarnock are just below them with 31, while the Paisley outfit have slipped into the relegation play-off spot on 30 points.

Pressley is determined to confirm top-flight status against Livingston but believes their demise will make the challenge a “harder” task.

“I think the biggest thing that affects performance is pressure and anxiety, and at present Livingston are free of that,” said the Dundee boss, who revealed goalkeeper Jon McCracken, replaced by debutant Kieran O’Hara in the second half against Saints, is out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

“So, in my opinion, they become a dangerous animal, and they’ve been a very unlucky team this year.

“I think they performed well in many games that they haven’t come away with anything.

“And against ourselves, we found the level of game and the contest really difficult.

“They have been very narrow games, we’ve drawn two and we’ve come out winners in one, where we scored pretty much in the last minute of the game.

“So I think when we reflect on that, we know how difficult a game is going to be.”

On McCracken’s injury, Pressley said: “He’s better than first feared, but the reality is that he’s injured a ligament in his ankle, and the positive news is that he doesn’t need any surgery.

“But the disappointing news is that he’s going to be out in the region of four to six weeks.

“It’s a massive blow because he’s been terrific for us, very consistent for us this year.

“He’s grown a lot. He’s taken a lot of responsibility. It’s a season for him that he’s played more games than in any other time in his career, and you’ve seen the growth as a result of that.

“So it’s a big blow, but we have a lot of faith and a lot of trust in Kieran. He’s been very patient.

“He’s worked exceptionally hard in the background and being hugely supportive of Jon so we’re very confident in his ability.”