Power of Lyndon the key for Gary
Dykes departure would be a hammer blow but Livi will survive
THE young striker has been handed the opportunity of his life just two years after playing amateur football and working as a scaffolder.
The jump from parttime Queen’s Park in League Two to full-time training with Livingston will take some getting used to for the 24-year-old and his place in the pecking order will depend heavily on what happens with Lyndon Dykes.
But he opened his account in a 2-2 draw with Ross County in pre-season, showing his scoring prowess.
His ability to play on instinct and eye for goal could see him surprise a few defences if he gets enough minutes.
LIVINGSTON have quietly gone about their business since their surprise promotion to the Premiership back in 2018 – and last season was no different.
Despite being lumped in with the usual candidates for relegation after finishing ninth in their first campaign back up, they found themselves fifth when play was halted in March and in with an outside chance of a Euro spot.
Lions manager Gary Holt says he still expects his side to be tipped for a relegation scrap but he’s selling his squad short there – perhaps intentionally – especially after the business they’ve done over the summer.
The return of Robby McCrorie on loan from Rangers is huge.
The keeper was handed a new long-term deal at Ibrox and is out to prove he can go back to Glasgow and replace Allan McGregor as No.1, which can only benefit Livi between the sticks.
Ricki Lamie became the latest member of Holt’s back four to make the move to Motherwell after Declan Gallagher last summer.
But that has been addressed with the return of Cardiff City’s Ciaron Brown on loan while the addition of West Brom youngster Jack Fitzwater leaves them well covered in defence.
Efe Ambrose was brought in only a couple of games before the shutdown after a fairly lengthy period without a club.
With a few weeks of pre-season training under his belt, the Nigeria international could be like another new signing and brings experience to the backline that was maybe missing before.
The biggest question mark will be whether they can hang on to top scorer and star striker Lyndon Dykes.
The big Aussie is a man in demand on the domestic and international stage. Australia and Scotland are still trying to persuade him that his international future lies with them but of more concern to Holt will be whether he’s still in West Lothian come October 5 when the transfer window shuts. Rangers’ need for a striker has intensified given Jermain Defoe’s injury and with Alfredo Morelos
BY ROSS PILCHER attracting the interest of French cracks Lille.
Steven Gerrard has been linked with a move for Dykes since before he faced the prospect of losing his strikeforce and the absence of either will likely see him step up his efforts in that regard.
Dykes netted 12 times in 33 appearances for the Lions last season and is the focal point for their attack.
He provided 10 assists on top of his own goal return so it is not just that Holt would need to replace.
However, he has added a couple of strikers to beef up his options at the top end of the pitch.
Salim Kouider-Aissa’s storybook rise from amateur football was kicked up several notches after he was handed a two-year deal following a successful trial period ahead of leaving Queen’s Park.
Slovenian Matej Poplatnik is more experienced but similarly unproven at this level.
However, if a deal for Dykes is done and Gers meet Livi’s £2million asking price then Holt has room to manoeuvre in terms of sourcing a direct replacement if he wants to play the two new faces in the meantime.
If Dykes, below, does stay put then Alan Forrest’s arrival from Ayr could allow him to flourish, giving Livi a genuine wide option that can provide the crosses the big striker thrives on.
Holt insists he’s relaxed with whatever the outcome of the transfer chase brings but knocking back bids from Championship side Barnsley suggests he’s going to drive a hard bargain.
As things stand, however, his squad looks stronger than the one that finished last season.
The Tony Macaroni Arena is a difficult place to go at the best of times. Having added a bit of flair to an already steely squad, no one will be leaving West Lothian with an easy three points – as Celtic discovered to their cost last season.
Holt admits there are no guarantees and the aim is still to emulate the likes of Motherwell and Kilmarnock with sustained consistency that keeps them in the top flight.
But the way Livi go about things suggests a top-six finish is more than achievable.
And with a bit of luck a European challenge isn’t out of the question either.