SCOTT McDONALD admits he is stunned by Kenny Miller’s decision to become player-boss at Livingston – and has predicted his fellow ex-Celt will soon confine himself to the touchline. 

Miller, 38, was bullish in his determination to excel in both jobs as he was formally unveiled as the new Lions gaffer on Saturday, finally agreeing to succeed David Hopkin following protracted negotiations. 

He reportedly shunned interest from the likes of Aberdeen, Hibs and St Mirren which could have seen him focus solely on his playing commitments, in favour of taking his first steps into management. 

Read more: Rangers Europa League opponents lose again but remain confident of an upset

Former Celtic hitman McDonald, however, believes the demands of the role could soon be a wake-up call for the former Scotland hit-man who was once a fierce Old Firm rival for the Australian. 

“I think it’s a tough job, I really do,” he said. “I’m surprised he has taken it. In my view, Kenny is still a top quality player and could play at one of the top four teams in Scotland. 

“There was plenty of interest within the league wanting to take him on board and this is a big call from him.

“To try and fill that striker’s role, concentrating fully on scoring the goals to keep them in the league, as well as managing them, will be a big ask. 

“I think he will realise that pretty early on and maybe he will just need to take a back-step and be on the touchline rather than the pitch.

“Personally, I would never throw myself in as a manager and a player. I would do one or the other and throw everything at it. I wouldn’t have taken it. I would have said, ‘I’m the manager or nothing – I’m not going to play for you’.

Read more: Rangers legend Harold Davis: Life and career in pictures​

“That is why I’m surprised, because I know Kenny is an all-or-nothing guy. To fill those roles will be hugely difficult. 

“They [Livingston] are going to struggle, let’s be honest. They have lost a lot of top players who performed for them last year and have had to replace and recruit already. They are already behind the eight-ball a little and, with Kenny coming in, he will have his own ideas.” 

McDonald added: “It will not be the same calibre of player Kenny is used to playing with either, getting the supply he has had for the last decade. That will be a frustration for him if he is going to play.”