Boyle said: “He outlined what he expects from us and we had a positive session and we’re looking forward to the game.

“I have heard good things about him and – judging by his sessions – it will be positive and bright.

“Usually a new manager coming in gives you that little bounce going into games.

“We have two games in quick succession so it’s a chance to get points on the board and start climbing the table. Livingston obviously have an artificial pitch and we did well at Hamilton on a similar surface. We will be well prepared under the new manager.”

McIntyre was keen to ensure spirits were as high as possible as he introduced himself and his demands to the players.

“They showed a good level of technique and they enjoyed it,” the former Ross County manager said.

“It’s so important that players train with a smile on their face and they enjoy working hard, and working hard for each other, because that’s what it’s going to take on a Saturday.”

McCann departed after losing seven of eight league games this season as well as home Betfred Cup ties against Dunfermline and Ayr.

But Boyle was convinced good times were around the corner anyway after McCann’s final two games, when they won at Hamilton and lost narrowly to Kilmarnock, courtesy of a penalty that earned Jordan Jones a ban for diving.

“I think in recent weeks we have picked up, and obviously won the Hamilton game and were probably unlucky last week,” the on-loan Preston player said.

“Everybody knows what happened with the penalty. If we would have picked something up from there we’d be going into the game looking at a different mindset.

“Confidence can change quickly, if we pick up something at the weekend then we go into Tuesday (against Hearts) in confident mood.”

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