New Livingston signing Lars Lokotsch believes he’s in the perfect place to continue his education - both on and off the park.
The 24-year-old centre forward has signed a two-year deal with the club having an option to extend by a further year and hopes to combine scoring goals in Scotland’s top flight with studying English.
Lokotsch was part of an SV Rodinghausen side last year that clinched a German fourth tier title - but he sought a move away as the club were denied promotion to the professional ranks due to the size of their stadium.
Speaking to the Courier, the big striker said: “I think for me this is a great opportunity because it’s a very professional club and I’m very proud to have the opportunity to play here.
“There’s a lot of training, but I like that and they spend a lot of time with you as an individual and try to make you a better player which is perfect. I’m a young player and I just want to improve.
“I’m also currently studying English so it’s a great opportunity for me to learn and speak the language - although I don’t really understand much just now because of the accents.
“I’m sure that will get better but it’s really a win-win situation for me to play football and learn the language and get to experience the culture. It’s a wonderful adventure for me.”
Lokotsch netted nine times for Rodinghausen last term, including a late brace in a German Cup tie against Bundesliga side Paderborn and hopes he can be a menace to opposition defences as he looks to make his mark in Scottish football.
He commented: “I was offered the chance to train with the club and I was very happy because it’s a top division club in a good European league. It’s a great opportunity for me.
“I’m a big striker who loves to hold the ball up for my team-mates and get myself into the box and I would say I’m a fast player.”
He added: “I played in the fourth division in Germany which was a great league. We played against the under-23 sides of Borussia Dortmund, FC Koln and Borrusia Monchengladbach.
“We actually won the league with Rodinghausen but we weren’t able to get accepted into the third tier - which is the first professional league - because of our stadium.
“That was really disappointing and saw a lot of the team leave and go their own way, including myself.
“But it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to be at Livingston and in the Scottish Premiership. I want to play a big role for this club.”
