Livingston boss David Martindale says new signing Jaze Kabia has 'massive' potential and has backed the Irishman to be a success for the Lions - but says that's likely to come further down the line as they look to loan out the youngster.
The 20-year-old former Shelbourne forward certainly had a debut to remember for the club last night as he appeared as a substitute in Livi's 2-2 draw with Celtic. He was inches away from netting a wonderful winner from 25-yards as well as being involved in the incident that led to Scott Brown's dismissal with the Hoops skipper striking the youngster just five minutes after coming off the bench.
Martindale says the new arrival has all the attributes to be a success and hinted that more promising youngsters could be on their way to the club over the coming days.
Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, he said: "I've got a few scouts in Ireland that I've been in contact with for a few years and since I done the UEFA Licence in Ireland, I've got even more contacts now.
"Jackie McNamara is his agent and I was told to have a wee look at the kid. We arranged for him to come over and he did really well for a week. I got in touch with folk over in Ireland and got plenty of positive feedback.
"He was in Shelbourne's first team and then dropped out because they wanted him to sign a new contract and he wanted to try his luck in England or Scotland because he thought it was the right time for him to make that move. A lot of guys in the League of Ireland are trying to get over into the UK market.
"He went down to Ipswich Town for a week and they were wanting to sign him for their under-23 squad but Jackie was keen for him to come in with us. We agreed a fee with Shelbourne, who were very easy to work with and helpful throughout the process.
"I think he's definitely one for the future but he can play just now too. I want to try and get him out on loan but that could be a bit tricky with League One and League Two shutdown.
"He's got massive potential and has a lot of very, very good attributes. He's quick, incredibly fit and strike a ball well with both feet. He's great in the air and he can finish, too. He's still got to learn the tactical side of the game but that will all come with his development."
He added: "We don't have a lot of players in that age group and we're looking to add to it.
"Look at Jack Hamilton, he's been with us for over four years and he's 20. It's imperative that we get kids of a high enough standard early doors. We've not got the money to bring 12 youngsters in, spend £15k a year on them and three years down the line they're not good enough.
"The kids that we have got in the squad are all ones who we genuinely believe are more than capable of playing first team football for Livingston, hence why there's probably not a lot but it's imperative that we brought more in.
"Jaze is the first and we're actively looking for more in that 18-20 age group. It's great for their development to have them in training with the first team and it should work out for both parties."
