Livingston boss David Martindale explains decision to substitute loan star after seven minutes - but predicts bright future at the club

Livingston boss David Martindale is confident Caleb Chukwuemeka will shine for the Lions despite a challenging start to life in Scotland.

The 20-year-old signed on loan from English Premier League side Aston Villa during the January transfer window but life in West Lothian hasn’t been the smoothest so far.

The former Northampton Town player lasted just seven minutes before being substituted against Aberdeen on Saturday with Martindale admitting the youngster’s work-rate was lacking.

Despite that, though, the gaffer told the Courier that he has no doubts Chukwuemeka will come good for Livingston.

He said: “He’s a young man and I’ve got a duty of care to Caleb. First and foremost, it’s a duty of care to Livingston Football Club, but I’ve got that to Caleb, to Aston Villa and Caleb’s family as well.

“I’ve told them all that I’ll make him a better player and I do genuinely believe that will be the case.

“Are we further behind where we hoped he would be at this stage? Yes, I think that’s fair to say and most people can see that.

“Will we get him to where I need him to be? Yes, I really do believe that.

“Honestly, he’s a fantastic young guy and he’s a real joy to have around the place. It’s up to me as the manager of this football club to get the best out of Caleb and I believe I’ll do that.”

He added: “It’s a steep learning curve coming to Livingston and playing in this league and the demands we put on players.

“I ask the players to do the dirty side of the game and that’s what Caleb needs to work on.

“I’m putting a lot of demands on him because I want him playing well for Livingston and going back to Aston Villa as a better football player.

“Ability is not in question, he’s absolutely frightening, if a little bit raw.

“Marv