Livingston announce signing of former Republic of Ireland youth international

Livingston have announced the pre-contract signing of defender Shaun Donnellan from Torquay United. The 27-year-old will join the Lions on January 1 - the opening day of the winter transfer window.

The versatile former Republic of Ireland youth international was a summer target for the club and had also agreed a pre-contract deal to make the move to West Lothian at the end of the current campaign, but both sides have agreed for the move to go ahead early.

Versatile Donnellan, who can play right-back as well as centre-back and defensive midfield, becomes the first Livi signing of the window and is unlikely to be the last given their position at the foot of the table.

His arrival will also likely make Miles Welch-Hayes available for a move given the 27-year-old has featured just twice since his summer arrival from Harrogate Town.

Speaking to the club's website regarding his new signing, boss David Martindale said: "Shaun came on my radar in the summer and I worked hard to bring him to the club but Torquay squashed my interest early doors.

“This November, Shaun was in a position to sign a pre-contract with ourselves and I’m delighted that he has chosen to do so. Everything was done with Torquay’s permission, and it has now developed that they are willing to let Shaun move on in January 2024 rather than waiting until the end of the season.

“Shaun is very versatile and can play a number of positions – right back, right wing-back, right centre back and defensive midfield."

He added: "He will bring a lot of versatility to the squad and that should allow us to move 1 or 2 on in the defensive areas, while focusing our recruitment more in the offensive areas now that we know we have Shaun over the line.

“I’m really looking forward