Aidan Denholm left Hearts to journey along the M8 to join former team-mate, Macaulay Tait, at The Home of the Set Fare Arena in Livingston. He was full of hope that the move would boost his career.
How wrong could he be. The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury minutes into his debut for the West Lothian club in the League Cup. It was, sadly, a similar injury to one he suffered playing on loan at Ross County. Surgery followed.
Months of re-hab have tested the 22-year-old’s mental resolve. For example, he was bed-bound and in a leg brace for eight long weeks. The young footballer could not straighten his leg.
The injury has also tested his family and Denholm (pictured by Nigel Duncan) admitted that it has been a long, hard grind to get back to match fitness.
West Lothian-born Denholm is now keeping his fingers crossed that the injury jinx does not strike again. He conceded that this season has been frustrating and watching his colleagues struggle and not being able to assist has not been easy.
The scenario is not good. Livingston have pushed teams but have lost too many late goals which have cost them deal. The Lions have not roared in the top flight and prop up the 12-strong division 12 points behind second-bottom Kilmarnock and 14 adrift of St Mirren.
It looks, on paper, a hopeless case. However, the players are determined to end the season with a flourish and fat lady has not yet sung.
Denholm and his colleagues are defiant. He said: “We’re not a million miles away and it is not done yet. We go there (to Paisley) and try to get three points.”
So, what is the actuality. Well, Livingston could be relegated this weekend if results do not go their way. They travel to Paisley to face The Buddies with only 16 points on the board.
St Mirren have 30 points and Kilmarnock 28.
However, the West of Scotland club suffered a 6-2 defeat to Celtic in the Scottish Cup at Hampden last weekend. Yes, they took the Hoops to extra time, but four quick goals ended their challenge.
They also lost back-up goalkeeper Ryan Mullen with a torn thigh muscle. No 1, ex-Livingston goalkeeper, Shamal George, who made 67 appearances for the West Lothian club, is injured, so Saints have signed St Johnston stopper, Ross Sinclair, on a seven-day emergency loan.
He is likely to make his debut on Saturday but has not featured for the Perth club this season. They won the championship in midweek. Sinclair did, however, play a number of games in the Premiership last season. St Johnstone were relegated.
