Loan striker relishes chance to learn from experienced Lichties

Jack Hamilton is relishing the opportunity to learn at the feet of master marksman Kris Doolan.

The 20-year-old joined Arbroath on loan at the end of last month and has wasted no time in making a dazzling impact for the Lichties.

The Livingston prospect has notched two goals in three appearances to date, helping Dick Campbell’s men to two wins and a draw.

Rock-bottom of the Championship when Hamilton arrived, Arbroath are now looking to move clear of the relegation places.

And Hamilton has paid tribute to the influence of experienced duo Doolan and Bobby Linn — with 225 senior goals between them — in helping him hit the ground running and continue his progress this term.

The young attacker said: “We’ve got Dools (Doolan) here and he has already been really good with me. I’ve spoken to him about my game a lot already, just looking for pointers and tips and trying to keep learning.

“He’s had a brilliant career, scored goals wherever he has been, and I’m enjoying listening to him. The new thing you can see is that Dools still knows where the back of the net is — you’ll never take that away from him.”

He added: “Bobby Linn has been great as well. I’m still only 20 years old and their experience — the amount of games they’ve played and goals they’ve scored — is something you can’t buy.”

Hamilton hopes his fine form for Arbroath is another step towards cementing himself as the first-choice striker at Livingston next term.

He scored nine goals in 13 games at East Fife during the first half of this campaign and, having returned to Livi briefly in January, scored in a 3-1 victory against Ross County, illustrating his ability to find the net in the top-flight.

And he is confident that Lions boss Davie Martindale is willing to give him a run in the future – if he does the business at Gayfield.

He continued: “The gaffer (Martindale) seems to rate me highly and really wants me to go out, get as much experience as possible and develop.

“Hopefully, that will give me what I need to come back in the summer fit and ready to challenge for the No 9 spot at Livingston next season.”

A more pressing concern, however, is the six-pointer against Alloa Athletic, who are at the foot of the Championship but remain just three points adrift of Arbroath.

Hamilton added: “I just want to carry on my form and take it into the Alloa game.

“I was confident after doing well at East Fife, I scored for Livi and was just feeling really good ahead of joining up with Arbroath. Thankfully, that momentum has carried on so far.

“I’m not sure what I’m doing, but something is going right for me this season!

“And, after the last couple of results, especially beating Dunfermline, the whole group is really confident.”

Jack Hamilton: Two goals in first three appearances.