Liam fully charged by Caixinha’s high energy

LIAM KELLY has hailed the impact of tough taskmaster Pedro Caixinha as he combines his quest for a second league title in two seasons with adapting to a new regime at Ibrox.

The Gers loan star has been a standout for Livingston this season with the Lions enjoying the best defence in League One and romping to a nine-point lead at the summit. Shot-stopper Kelly, who won League Two during a similarly successful stint at East Fife last term, trains with his parent club during the first half of the week and is relishing working under new boss Caixinha and his goalkeeping coach Jose Belman.

He said: “It is full steam ahead there under the new manager.

“It was something a bit different and I really look forward to it. The manager was very positive and upbeat and has really got his message across.

“The words to use are energetic and intense – double sessions flying about.

“I think they were back out at 3pm on Tuesday which is pretty much unheard of at that level.

“However, the boys know the more you work the better rewards you will get. Hopefully we see that.” Kelly reckons the pressure of dealing with the favourites’ tag at Livi and leading from the front in a title race will stand him in good stead as he seeks to make the grade at Ibrox.

He said: “As a young keeper that pressure of battling at the top end is invaluable.

“I never dreamed that when I went out in loan last year I’d be looking at coming back with two winners’ medals.”