Caley Thistle forward Nikolay Todorov takes inspiration from the success of former club Livingston ahead of today’s Scottish Cup fifth round tie.
Bulgarian attacker Todorov spent 12 months on loan with Livi in 2017, playing his part in helping the West Lothian outfit winning back-to-back promotions from League 1 to the Premiership.
Livi have not looked back since, with Gary Holt’s men sitting fifth in their second successive top flight campaign.
With Caley Jags second in the Championship and aiming for promotion this season, Todorov insists there is no reason his side cannot emulate Livi’s achievements.
Todorov said: “Of course it’s a challenge. The Premiership is where we want to be, so this gives us a chance to see where we are and compare with a team that’s doing well in the Premiership.
“They were not long ago in our situation we are in just now. I was part of it, so it’s inspiring. The boys there were really hard workers.
“When you think of Livingston as a team, straight away what comes to your head is hard work.
“We are not going to let ourselves down – we are going to need to outwork them.”
Todorov has made just four starts and 20 substitute appearances this season, with five goals to his name.
Although he is a forward by nature, Caley Jags manager John Robertson has hinted Todorov could be used as an emergency central defender should first choice pairing Brad Mckay and Kevin McHattie suffer injury, with Lewis Toshney cup-tied for today’s Caledonian Stadium encounter.
The 23-year-old is prepared to show versatility, adding: “I have not been told anything, but when I first came to the club the manager knew I can cover as a centre back.
“For me it’s not a problem. I have done it in the past for Livingston, so I will be happy to play anywhere.
“If there are bookings or injuries, or even if we need to adjust for certain teams, it’s not going to be a problem.
“I’m quite looking forward to it. Even if the manager needs me to put the gloves on – I will go in goals.”