Contract extension for defender Obileye

Livingston have triggered the one-year extension clause on the contract of central defender Ayo Obileye.

That means the 28-year-old former Chelsea youth product will remain at the club for a third season having originally joined from Queen of the South at the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

A ligament injury sustained in the Lions’4-1 loss at home to Hibs last month cut his season short but he is expected to be fit in time for the start of pre-season.

Obileye has been an integral part of David Martindale’s squad since his arrival from the Doonhamers, tallying 72 appearances along with eight goals.

With the expected defensive departures of both Nicky Devlin and Jack Fitzwater in the summer, he likely becomes the leader of the back-line for the Lions.

He becomes the fourth player to have their extension triggered with Morgan Boyes, Cristian Montano and Joel Nouble all having their paperwork signed and sealed earlier in the season.

Lions gaffer Martindale said it was crucial for both the club and the player to know that he’ll be in West Lothian once again following the summer break and expects the centre-back to play a‘big role’once he gets back to full fitness and builds towards being fit for the start of the new campaign.

He commented:“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to exercise the additional year on Ayo’s contract to see him remain at the club for next season.

“Losing him when we did has been a big blow as the presence Ayo brings to the team at the heart of our defence is huge.

“The fact he’s amassed over 70 appearances in just over a season and a half shows how important he’s been to the team and I’m looking forward to having him back for pre-season as we turn attention to next season.”

He added:“This extension gives Ayo the peace of mind given his injury that he still has a big role to play here next season and his experience will be vital as we look to improve on this season.”