Brighton striker could hit the mark as Livingston boss bids to strengthen

Livingston boss David Martindale is bringing a striker up from Brighton as he looks to strengthen for the season ahead.

While Tete Yengi will wear the number nine shirt as the Lions drop down to the Championship, Martindale is looking to bring in a striker and at least two defenders to add competition.

But he says three or four players still have to leave to make way for this, as they’re not on “Premiership money” any more.

Livingston beat Alloa Athletic 2-1 at home on Saturday, with Matthew Clarke and Stephen Kelly scoring in their first friendly, while they won 2-1 against Broxburn Athletic on Tuesday, with away clashes at Spartans [Saturday] and Kelty Hearts next Tuesday.

Martindale was pleased to welcome Yengi and goalkeeper Shamal George back for that game and expects new signing Ricky Korboa to join the group shortly.

Speaking to Livingston FC’s website after Saturday’s game, Martindale said: “I was fairly happy with a lot of it. There’s stuff that we’ve got to work on, but that’s what pre-season’s for.

“There are still a lot of relationships that are needing built, and if you look at the boys that are missing, there are probably five still to come in to that group as we speak.

“There are three or four players I would like to add, probably three, ideally, coming in.

“I’m still actively looking for a number nine, a centre-back – maybe two – to bring that competition in and I’ve spoken to the lads... there are probably three or four that need to move on if they’re wanting game-time.

“One player is coming up from a Premier League club in England, he’s in training with us.

“I’ve got what I’d like to call a good relationship with Brighton. [Pathway development manager] Gordon Greer’s down there, great guy, [technical