Livingston boss David Martindale believes Jack Hamilton can still be a success at the club - but admits he needs another loan spell away from the Lions.
The 21-year-old has struggled to make an impact in the top flight this season following a pair of impressive loan spells last campaign at both East Fife and Arbroath - and the manager hinted that a move back to Dick Campbell’s side could be the best for all parties.
The Red Litchies currently have Lions striker Joel Nouble on loan, but he’s set to return in January following an impressive spell in the second tier.
Hamilton tallied nine goals in 13 appearances for East Fife before moving up to the Championship in the January transfer window last season, where he netted eight times in 15 games.
That led to Martindale, and Livi supporters, hoping he would be able to be a big part of the squad this season but that hasn’t been the case as he’s yet to start a game.
The gaffer admitted the club’s poor start of the campaign didn’t help the young striker and says they will offer him a new contract with his current deal set to expire in the summer.
Speaking to the Courier, he commented: “I think we have to be realistic with Jack. We’re all a bit disappointed in how it’s panned out for him this season - including Jack.
“Has it been a jump too far? Potentially. The start of the season probably hasn’t helped Jack either because if you’re winning games of football it helps the younger players out.
“As it went and the schedule we had it was getting increasingly more important that we got points so it’s hard for players like Jack to come into the team and play with that burden on their shoulders.”
He added: “Have we helped Jack out as a squad? Probably not. Could Jack have done more with his opportunities? Yes. He 100 per cent needs to go back out and play.
“With Joel coming back from Arbroath, that would be a move that makes sense. He’d be going to a top Championship club that he knows. It’s something we’ll need to discuss and it would be up to Jack if he wants to go there.
“He has a future at Livingston and we’ll be offering him a contract in the summer. I do believe his future is here but we need to fast track that.
“Some players take longer to get there but that’s football. We have a lot of faith in Jack and he’ll get the opportunity in the summer again to stake his place in our team.”
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