Forrest earns praise from the gaffer after drama over transfer

Forrest thump Livingston’s Alan Forrest celebrates making it 3-2 at Easter Road

Livingston boss David Martindale heaped praise on Alan Forrest after he hit the winner at Easter Road on Saturday – just days after turning down a move to St Johnstone.

The 25-year-old cut in from the left and curled home a beautiful strike into the far corner just before the hour mark as the Lions came from behind to defeat Hibs 3-2.

But it could have been a different story for the ex-Ayr United man, who looks set to leave the club in the summer after turning down a new deal.

Martindale, however, believes that the club and the player are a perfect match for each other.

He said:“It says a lot about Alan.

“He came in during the week and said that he didn’t want to go after we had all the paperwork ready.

“I’ll be having a

conversation with Alan over the next week or so because I think that we’re the right club for Alan and I think that when we have got him in the right headspace, you can see what he brings to the football club.”

He added:“Over the last three or four

[transfer] windows there has always been a wee bit of controversy with Alan – is there maybe the chance of a move here?

“But when he’s in a good headspace at Livingston, you can see what he can bring to the table.

“He asked to speak to St Johnstone and they

made an offer for him that I thought was acceptable and then he told me that he didn’t think that it was the right move for him.

“He trained really well and I was chatting to Marvin (Bartley) that it looked like a weight had lifted off his shoulders, so fair play to him.

“It’s been a tough time for him and he made a big decision.”

I think we’re the right club for Alan and when we have him in the right headspace you can see what he brings to the club