BY IAIN COLLIN – Capital City Press
Growing up in the shadow of his famous dad and grandfather, Matthew Gould has had to get used to battling hard to try and prove himself.
Now, the 21-year-old – the son of former Celtic keeper Jonathan Gould and grandson of ex-Coventry City and Arsenal striker and Wales manager Bobby Gould – knows he has another fight on his hands to land the number one spot at Livingston.
Gould penned a one-year contract earlier this month after a four-week trial at Almondvale but is still waiting to make his debut for the Championship side.
Lions boss Mark Burchill was an old team-mate of Jonathan Gould at Parkhead at the turn of the millennium but has praised his new signing’s impeccable attitude and determination to ensure there could be no accusations of favouritism.
And the youngster, who spent last season with then English League Two side Cheltenham Town after spells in New Zealand and Australia, insists he has been keeping up the pressure on number one Darren Jamieson ahead of this afternoon’s home clash with Falkirk.
With Livi seeking their first league victory of the campaign after defeats to Raith Rovers and Queen of the South, Gould said: “I’ve really, really enjoyed it so far. To be honest, Scotland is a bit like a home to me because I grew up here for six years when my dad was at Celtic.
“I was at Livingston from the first day of pre-season and it took a while for me to get a deal signed but thankfully the gaffer saw enough in me to give me a contract.
“I’m very grateful to him for showing a bit of faith in me and hopefully I can pay him back this season.
“Just because my old man knows him doesn’t automatically give you a contract. You’ve still got to work as hard as you can.
“And you also have to prove to the other players you’re good enough so they can trust you when you go onto the field.
“I’ve always thought the harder I’ve worked the better you become and the more likely I’m going to succeed.
“That’s the same work ethic my father had and my grandfather had. I’ve just got to work as hard as I can and make sure people see beyond the family links.
“DJ has been number one at Livingston for quite a long time now and he’s a very, very good goalkeeper. So, I just need to put as much pressure on him as possible.
“If that means he gets better then that means I’m probably doing a good job as a number two, and when I get my opportunity I just have to grab it with both hands and hopefully keep my place.”
@IainCollin
