Henk’s happy to dip toe in water
Livingston defender Henk van Schaik’s professional debut might only have lasted a couple of minutes – but he said it was a “dream come true”.
Two weeks ago the 20- year- old Dutch ace penned a deal until the end of next season – and he replaced striker Dolly Menga deep in stoppage time of Sunday’s draw against Celtic for his first official action in the professional game.
He said: “It was an unbelievable experience and it’s a dream come true to make my debut.
“As soon as I walked into the stadium, knowing it’s against a massive club like Celtic and on the TV, it gives you a great buzz.
“It was a brilliant result for us, it’s a draw that feels like a win.”
After asking to be released from FC Twente following their relegation from the Dutch top flight last season, the youngster admits he jumped at the chance to sign with Livingston.
He said: “That was my professional debut so it’s a special moment. It was an unbelievable feeling.
“I was on the bench a couple of times at my previous club but they got relegated and there were things going on off the park so I asked to be released.”
He added: “My agent told me about the chance to come on trial with Livingston in the Scottish Premiership and I didn’t have to think about it.
“Since I was a little boy, I’ve always liked the style of British and Scottish football, so I felt it was a very good opportunity for me and I was offered a deal after a week of being on trial.
“I’m still young and I think this gives me the perfect opportunity to grow and mould myself into a better player.
“I’m a big tall centre-back but can play right-back or as a holding midfielder and like having the ball at my feet.
“I talk a lot on the park and like to be a leader.
“I’ve adapted to life very well in Scotland so far, I’m not homesick or anything and the guys have been great although I’m still struggling with the Scottish accent a little bit. Who knows, maybe in a few months I’ll have an accent myself!”