PLAYING POWER
Mackin lured to Livi with offer of first-team action
Mackin lured to Livi with offer of first-team action
New Livingston striker Dylan Mackin admits the chance to play first-team football in the Championship was too good to turn down.
The 20-year-old was released from Motherwell at the end of last season and rejected a Premiership club, understood to be Kilmarnock, to pen a deal with the Lions.
Mackin, who scored four times while on loan at Alloa Athletic last season, says the lure of competitive first-team action at a full-time club was too enticing to pass up.
He commented: “People might look at it as a step back because I’ve left Motherwell but I was with the Under- 20s there and not really in the picture to get first-team games. I look at it the other way, as a step up because I will be playing first-team football at a full-time Championship club.
“I’ve had spells on loan at Airdrie and Alloa in League One and this is a big leap for me coming into this division and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m delighted to be at the club. I had a couple of offers but this was a bit of a no-brainer for me in terms of the best chance to play first team football.”
He added: “The lads have all been great with me at training. I knew Nicky Cadden, Alan Lithgow and Sean Crighton from my spell at Airdrie a couple of seasons ago so it was good to come in and know a few of the guys, it definitely helps you settle in.
“The gaffer’s not really said too much in terms of setting me targets or anything for next season.
“He just wants me to train hard and go out there and show what I can do. He’s looking for me to link up play and obviously chip in with some goals too.
“I played and scored twice against Livingston last term and a lot of the squad has stayed together so I know what to expect from this team and what they can do in the Championship.”
Head coach David Hopkin admitted he was delighted to get the deal done and hopes Mackin can improve during his stint in West Lothian.
He said: “Dylan turned down a Premiership club who really made a hard push for him at the last minute but he wanted to come to Livingston.
“He’s a talented striker but he’s young and we have to be patient and let him develop. He’s got lots of potential and I can see that in training. He’ll bring us something different.”