HAMILTON URGED TO ROAR INTO LIONS’ SIDE

Livingston manager Davie Martindale has challenged Jack Hamilton to force his way into the first team after revealing that the striker has agreed a new contract.

Hamilton initially kept his options open after finishing last season on loan at Arbroath, where he scored 10 goals in 18 starts.

Livingston would have been eligible for a training compensation fee for the 21-year-old but now the forward has opted to remain at the Lions.

Martindale, who flew out to Spain with his squad for a training camp yesterday, said: “Jack is signing a contract extension.

“He has accepted his contract extension, he has been in training and we’ll get that sorted in the new few days.

“I’ve spoken to Jack and said to him he needs to get in the team, he needs to work hard.

“I’m not going to take the easy option and put him out on loan this year. It’s up to him to get in the team.

“Albeit, he is available, it’s no secret that if Jack can go and get first team football elsewhere I probably would not stand in his way although we would be due compensation.

“Jack has been with the club six years and we’ve put a lot of development into Jack.

“Putting all that aside I’ve told him to concentrate on getting himself into Livingston’s first team, I’m not going to put him out on loan.

“I’m not going to give him the easy option if it’s not working at Livingston just to get out on loan.

“I’m actually looking forward to seeing what Jack can bring to the team this year but he is going to have to work extremely hard to get himself in the team.”

Hamilton has made only four starts for Livingston in a total of 26 league outings, scoring twice.

The player has also spent time on loan at Queen of the South, Alloa, East Fife and Berwick Rangers.