Livingston have loaned out young American goalkeeper Brian Schwake to East of Scotland Premier League side Linlithgow Rose for the 2020/21 season.
The 19-year-old has yet to taste senior football, having signed for the Lions from De Paul University in Chicago.
Both Livi gaffer Gary Holt and his Rose counterpart Brown Ferguson said they were delighted to get the deal in place.
Speaking to the Courier, Ferguson said: “Brian is a deal that we’d been talking about for a few weeks and was always something we were keen to get done if possible.
“He’s a talented young keeper and he’s approaching everything in the right way. He’s been tremendous in training with us and has integrated well with the rest of the squad which is pleasing to see.
“I’m looking forward to having him as part of the squad for the upcoming season.”
He added: “I’m absolutely delighted that we were able to get the deal done and I’d really like to thank Livingston for being so pro-active and helpful. To get Brian in for a full pre-season will be a huge benefit for us, and hopefully Brian and Livingston.”
Holt believes the young stopper will thrive with the Rose, who will be amongst the favourites for promotion to the Lowland League this season.
He commented: “It’s a perfect move for him. There’s going to be pressure as it’s a club that will be expected to win games and he’ll get to understand what proper football is all about. That’s what we wanted.
“It’s seeing the joy or hurt from the team-mates and fans depending on the result and getting to learn what it means and deal with that.
“It will be a steep learning curve but it’s something that we firmly believe he will thrive under.
“We’ve got a great relationship with Linlithgow and it’s pleasing that it should be a deal that works out very well for all parties.”
