Livingston striker Liam Buchanan admits squad are playing for their future

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Livingston striker Liam Buchanan insists the players are well aware that their futures are on the line in today’s crunch play-off clash against Stranraer

The Lions are facing the disastrous prospect of falling through the Championship trapdoor unless they can turn around Wednesday’s 5-2 semi-final play-off first leg defeat.

Relegation would cast a dark cloud over Livingston’s ability to continue to function as a full-time club and Buchanan admits failing to preserve their status in the second tier would be hugely damaging.

He said: “It’s livelihoods at stake but at the same time we can’t be overthinking it too much.

“We’re under no illusion about the effect it will have on the club and as players we know the scenarios that might happen if we’re relegated, but we’re all trying to stay positive about it.

“We have to remain positive that we can turn it around as a group and just get on with it.”

Buchanan scored one of the Lions’ two goals in the outing at Stair Park and insists David Hopkin’s side must remain confident that they can turn it around.

He added: “We can’t accept that we’re out of it. We know it was not good enough from us and now it’s about showing a reaction and showing that we’re hurting from it.

“We have to give credit to Stranraer as well, yes it was a bad night from us but they were excellent and we have to give them credit for that.

“They turned us over but we have to get ourselves together. We know the task in hand and have to stay calm and be confident we can get the job done.

“It’s a massive ask but one that we’re capable of.

“They’re maybe thinking that they’re in the driving seat and that they already have one foot in the final.”

Stranraer manager Brian Reid, meanwhile, will prepare his side for a Livingston backlash this afternoon.

He said: “I’d certainly not expect Livingston to sit back and defend but if they come out and attack then hopefully that will leave gaps for us to go and exploit.

“We’re obviously very pleased with the first leg result. To score five goals against any team is an achievement.

“But we’re not getting carried away with ourselves, we know there’s still a lot of work to be done.”