Ginny gave Caleb ‘SP’ on the SPL
CALEB Chukwuemeka jumped at the chance to join Livingston on loan following an endorsement from Villa team-mate John McGinn.
The former St Mirren and Hibernian midfielder told Chukwuemeka to use the Scottish Premiership to raise his profile and improve his game.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard recommended the 19-year-old former Northampton player to Livi boss David Martindale and Chukwuemeka aims to make the most of his spell in Scotland.
He said: “The gaffer didn’t speak to me but he was in touch with the gaffer here and they were asking whether I would cope and how I would play. So he and John McGinn were key factors in me coming here.
“I feel, to take my game to the next level, the exposure and experiences this league brings will definitely help.
“John McGinn was saying the standard is very high in Scotland. Some people might underestimate the league but he told me to expect the unexpected and make sure I am ready.”
Chukwuemeka made his Villa debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Barrow and has scored seven goals for the Under-23s since last summer’s move from the Cobblers, where he played 28 times.
“Ever since I got to Villa I have been learning,” he said. “It’s different in terms of the level, Northampton to Aston Villa is a lot higher. But I have adapted and learned quickly. I have to keep striving and see where it takes me.
“I feel I have come to Villa and done well, now I want to take my game to the next level in terms of men’s football and hopefully get Livingston higher up the table.”
Livi boss Martindale added: “Caleb probably sees himself more as a winger but Villa see him as a nine so that is going to be a developmental process, I need to work with Caleb on that. But he can play anywhere across the front three. He has come up here with massive potential.
There is an adaptation period attached to that, he is only 19.’’