Livibossand staffhave highhopes forkidkeeper
David Martindale says he has‘no doubt’ that Brian Schwake will become Livingston’s first-choice keeper in the future after the 19-year-old signed a new contract keeping him at the club until June 2023.
The American signed a year ago from De Paul University in his native Chicago and got his first taste of senior football during a loan spell with Linlithgow
Rose earlier this season.
Brown Ferguson’s side were challenging for promotion to the Lowland League when their season was curtailed, while the keeper also played a starring role in their Scottish Cup upset of League Two side Brechin City.
Martindale admitted the plan will be to send him out on loan again next season but sees the teenager as having a very bright future for the club.
He said:“I’m delighted that Brian has
chosen to continue his development at Livingston. He is a fantastic young goalkeeper and has everything required to become Livingston’s number one in the near future.
“Brian has been out on loan at Linlithgow Rose and been very unlucky that the COVID-19 restrictions have curtailed a large part of the season.
“We will look at getting Brian out on loan next season as we are all in agreement that this will ultimately give him the best chance of playing for Livingston as early as possible in his career.”
He added:“He is a talented young goalkeeper and between Brian and our goalkeeper coach Tony Caig, I have no doubt that Brian will be a Livingston number one in the coming seasons.”
Caig, who was instrumental in the initial move that saw Schwake make the move from the States to sign with the Lions, added:“I’m really pleased with Brian’s progress since he joined us just over a year ago.
“He’s shown a real commitment to his development and was doing well at Linlithgow whilst out on loan until their league was put on hold.
“We hope he can continue improving over the duration of this new contract and realise his potential.”