MORTON forward Scott Tiffoney says Livingston’s fairytale season is no surprise to him — because he always knew they’d be going places under David Hopkin.

Tiffoney, 19, revealed how the former Morton midfielder, caretaker manager, assistant manager and reserves coach, pictured, played a big part in his career development.

Tiffoney came through the youth system at Cappielow and received daily coaching masterclasses from the seven times — capped former Scotland internationalist.

But the talented teenager plans an unhappy homecoming for Greenock-born Hopkin when he brings his Livi side to town this evening.

Tiffoney said: “Livingston are a tough team and we know Hoppy well from his time here.

“He coached me as well, so I think it’ll be a good game to look forward to.

“At the start of my career he was my coach and I worked under him for about a year. He’s a good guy who knows his stuff.

“Some folk think he’s this mild-mannered guy but he’s definitely not like that at all! So I know it’ll be a tough game.

“We always knew Hoppy was a good coach and it’s not really been a shock that they’re doing so well.

“But a win on Tuesday will keep this run of ours going and that’s what we’re hoping to do.”

Tonight’s opponents sit second in the Championship and remain in pole position for a promotion play-off spot.

But Jim Duffy’s side can close the gap on their nearest rivals to just two points if they can win at Cappielow tonight.

Tiffoney added: “We’re still going game by game and hopefully we can keep this run going and see where we end up at the end of the season.”

In-form Tiffoney played a big part in Ton’s weekend 2-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle in the Highlands, scoring the opener and winning the penalty that saw midfield ace Gary Harkins convert from the spot.

That victory stretched Ton’s unbeaten record in all competitions to seven matches and sets them up nicely for tonight’s big game.

Tiffoney said: “We were delighted as it’s a hard place to go to. 

“On the way up we’d have taken a point, so we were delighted with a win.”

Tiffoney reflected on his opening goal, his third of the season, and said: “The ball took a good bounce for me and bounced over the defender, leaving me through one on 
one. 

“Then I hit it and luckily enough I got a second attempt and I took it.

“The penalty was a stonewaller.

“I took it through and I’ve faked one way, went the other and he’s taken me down.

“Folk were saying it was a dive but it’s a clear penalty and Gary [Harkins] does what we expect him to do.

“As soon as that happened the boys settled down and we knew we were going to go on and get the three points.”