Penrice has Martindale’s blessing over Hearts move
DAVID MARTINDALE endorsed James Penrice’s impending move to Hearts as he backed the left-back to prove another shrewd Tynecastle signing from Livingston.
It emerged this month that the 25-year-old former Partick Thistle player had agreed a pre-contract to join the Tynecastle club this summer – although the transfer has not been officially confirmed by either club.
Despite knowing his future lies elsewhere, Martindale insisted he has no issue with fielding Penrice for the remainder of the Lions’ cinch Premiership survival battle when he returns from a hip injury next month.
“I can’t wait to get James Penrice back ready and playing for Livingston,” said the Livi manager. “I have got absolutely no qualms whatsoever about playing him.
“I think it’s a fantastic move for the lad. I sat James down three years ago and said, ‘Come to me, we’ll make you better, we’ll progress your career’, so when I found out Hearts were interested, I was delighted for him.”
Martindale joked that Livingston are becoming Hearts’ “feeder club” after Craig Halkett and Alan Forrest made the same move in 2019 and 2022 respectively. Both players have shone at Tynecastle, and the Livi manager expects Penrice to do likewise.
“James is more than capable of stepping up and dealing with it. I think James has got another level in him, I really do,” said Martindale.
“Sometimes players can underestimate the size of the job at Tynecastle, when you put that shirt on in front of those fans, it’s a big place to play football. It takes big players. I think it took Alan a wee while to settle but I think the staff and the fans can now see why Alan went to Hearts originally.
“Robbie Neilson took him in originally and I think Naisy [Steven Naismith] has been very good for him, he’s kicked on this season.
“Craig Halkett took to Hearts like a duck to water. He had a difficult start to life at Hearts but he’s had the captain’s band a few times.
“When I look at the players that have left Livingston to go to Hearts, it does nothing but bring a smile to my face. I genuinely mean that. I’m disappointed I’m losing someone of James’ ability but I’m absolutely delighted for him.”