Livingston boss David Martindale has outlined his January transfer window plans - and says he’s only interested in signing players who can step straight into the starting line-up.
The Lions are set to recall striker Joel Nouble from a successful loan spell at Arbroath while Harrison Panayiotou could leave the club after failing to break into the first team.
Martindale also says they will explore loan options for youngsters Jaze Kabia and Jack Hamilton.
The gaffer says he’s looking to bring in another attacking player while also keeping an eye on the goalkeeping market.
The club’s number two keeper Daniel Barden is currently back at parent club Norwich City and undergoing treatment for testicular cancer.
Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale said: “I’m looking to bring two or three into the club - and that includes Joel Nouble. I’m not interested right now in bringing in folk to fill the squad.
“After Joel, it’s potentially another offensive-minded player and a goalkeeper. We have a couple of options. We’re looking for someone who has played Premiership in Scotland or League One, maybe even Championship if we’re lucky, in England.
“The adaptation period is a lot less than for someone coming from a lower level or a foreign shore.”
He added: “We’ll obviously touch base with Norwich City and see how Daniel is doing, but I have to be realistic and have irons in the fire in case him coming back to Livingston isn’t a possibility.
“We’re open to looking at other positions but they would need to be absolute no-brainers that we couldn’t turn down.
“In this transfer window, I’m only interested in players who can play first team football, I’m not wanting to pad the squad.”
The Livi boss did run the rule over a number of trialists - including striker Danny Rowe who has caught the eye with Walton Casuals in the seventh tier of English football.
Martindale admits he’s ‘always happy’ to have a look at players but added: “It’s really, really difficult for trialists because this level of football is hugely underestimated. There’s boys coming from non-league football, and I get there are some very good players at that level, but the jump is massive.
“Somebody gave me a chance. This is my eighth season at Livingston and I’ll always give someone a chance.
“I’ll answer my phone, I’ll answer my emails and social media messages and if someone has a half-decent CV and I can get them in for a look, I’m always willing to give them that opportunity.
“It’s a big ask, but if you don’t look, you’ll never know.”
As for departures during the window, Martindale confirmed Panayiotou could be heading for the exit along with youngsters being loaned out.
He said: “Harry Panayiotou is exploring other possibilities, but that means I’d need to bring someone else in.
““Jack 100 per cent needs to go out and play and Jaze will probably have to go out on loan to get some game time.
“There might be one or two more who chap my door and ask to do the same.
“I wouldn’t stand in their way if a player wanted to go elsewhere to get games. They’ll not get me trying to twist their arm and keep them at the club.
“I’m a great believer that we’ve all got a duty of care to each other. Sitting in the stands or on the bench for Livingston when they want to be somewhere else playing doesn’t help anyone.
“You can’t stand in anybody’s way.”
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