Andrew Shinnie relishing management function with Livingston

Andrew Shinnie is relishing his management function inside the Livingston squad after he signed on earlier this week for a 3rd season with the West Lothian membership.

The 33-year-old joined the Lions in 2021 and supervisor David Martindale sees the previous Inverness, Birmingham and Luton midfielder as one of many senior figures in a dressing room that’s about to lose captain Nicky Devlin – amongst others – underneath freedom of contract this summer season.

Shinnie, who penned a one-year extension to the tip of subsequent time period, is conscious he won’t be the primary title on the team-sheet each week, however he’s comfortable to assist information his youthful colleagues.

“We’ll most likely lose a few essential gamers however Davie and the employees will hopefully recruit some gems like they usually discover, and we’ve additionally acquired the nucleus of a powerful squad that can nonetheless be right here,” mentioned Shinnie.

“As a senior professional, I need to actually assist the group kick on subsequent 12 months, on and off the park.

“I’ve spoken about it with Davie and I do know I won’t play as often as I’d have needed after I was youthful however I’ll nonetheless be doing my all to be on the pitch each week and if not, I’ll be there to attempt to push the boys on and assist them in each method.”

Requested if management got here naturally to him, Shinnie – whose brother Graeme is the captain of Aberdeen – mentioned: “Most likely, sure, however I’ve positively developed it since I got here to Livingston.

“There are various younger gamers right here so I’ve taken that onus on. Davie’s helped me with it as properly, he’s put a whole lot of accountability on me, so I positively assume I’ve developed it.

“I feel boys really feel comfy pulling me for little chats in the event that they want recommendation or no matter, and I’ve fairly loved that facet of it since I got here right here.

“It is advisable take that possession as a extra older, senior participant to be there for the group and attempt to be a relaxing affect at tough instances as a result of soccer may be troublesome. It is advisable be level-headed.”

Shinnie is presently making an attempt to information his team-mates by way of their hardest spell of the season. The Lions head to Kilmarnock on Saturday on the again of a run of eight defeats in 11 video games in all competitions.

“We had been actually upset to overlook out on the highest six after having such two-thirds of the season,” mentioned Shinnie. “We’ve tailed off a bit on the mistaken time which has killed us.

“We’re nonetheless a few factors forward in seventh and we need to end better of the remainder (high of the underside six).

“Killie are one other crew combating for his or her lives they usually have an amazing residence report so it’s going to be laborious. It’s one other problem for us.”