Daniel Finlayson cast his mind back to Livingston’s no-score draw at Aberdeen in mid-September and remembers the pace of their rivals wingers, particularly Swedish forward Jesper Karlsson.

The 27-year-old arrived at Pittodrie from Italian cracks Bolognia and the attacking midfielder, who can also cause real danger down the left wing, was spotlighted by Finlayson during a media briefing.

Finlayson (pictured by Nigel Duncan) is in line for a slot in the Livingston side when Jimmy Thelin’s men arrive at Livingston on Sunday (15.00).

Their Europa Conference League progress now hangs by a thread after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Armenian side FC Noah in the Granite City on Thursday, but their focus now is picking up a road win at The Home of the Set Fare Arena.

Or course, Livingston come into the game after the handball controversy following their 2-1 defeat at Rangers last Saturday, and Finlayson admitted that last Saturday night was difficult.

The 24-year-old indicated that a lot has been said since then about the handball controversy, and the players have spoken about it.

The club have apparently received an apology from the on-duty VAR official, John Beaton, but Finlayson said: “An apology is fine, but it does not help us after the game. I think we did really well (at Ibrox) and had really good chances.

“We probably should have had something, but it is a tough venue.”

The Livi players, he argued, can’t be too negative about the result, but he conceded that it is disappointing that that decision did not go Livingston’s way.

However, he believes The Lions can bounce back after Ibrox and the Norther Irish-born defender, who signed for the West Lothian club in May 2024 after spells at Rangers, on loan at Orange County in Southern California, St Mirren, on loan at Kelty Hearts, and Linfield.

And he declared: “If you look at the last couple of games, you would be worried if we were being battered. We have been in every single game, we’re positive and we think it will turn, we just need that win on the board. Hopefully, that starts on Sunday.”

Livingston are still in the mix at the bottom end of the table with eight points from 13 starts. Second-bottom Dundee are a point ahead after the same number of fixtures with Kilmarnock on ten points also from 13 games, the same points as St Mirren who have played a game less.

Eighth-placed Aberdeen are on 14 points from 12 starts and Finlayson confirmed that the no-score draw at Pittodrie was one of the hardest games Livingston have experienced so far this season.

The Dons may, he said, have been struggling with results, but they have a good squad, they have so much experience and they won the Scottish Cup last season.

He added: “I know they have quick boys up-front. Out wide the wingers are really good, skilful, especially Karlsson, and they have a real attacking threat, but nobody has been ripping us apart so I am looking forward to it.

“Our fans have been really good this season, despite results. We are playing better football. Hopefully, they will come out in numbers (on Sunday) and we just need that three points on the board. I genuinely think it will kick-start our season.”

Overall, the player believes some money should be invested in referees as well as VAR as players are looking for more consistency from officials.

Finlayson said: “In the first part of the season we have been on the wrong side of it, not getting decisions. Hopefully, going forward, that can change.

“Despite results, I think it has been a positive start for myself. I have played most games apart from Falkirk and I have loved it. The game has suited me and this has been a better season than I had last season. That’s probably confidence, getting to know the club and how the manager works. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Playing with a number of clubs, he conceded, has helped him develop his game and he added: “I’ve had to go a lot of places and I’ve had to take a lot of knocks to get here. This season, I want to give it everything because I deserve to be here.”

Livingston, he admitted, are a unique club, and he said: “It is an enjoyable place to play football. My time at St Mirren was very disappointing, it did not go the way I wanted, but I want to show what I am all about.

“I am playing at this level again and you want to prove people wrong and want to show that you can play.”