Livingston boss delighted to finally welcome new keeper Ivan Konovalov

Livingston boss David Martindale has confirmed Russian goalkeeper is set to be named in the squad for this weekend’s trip to Dundee.

The 27-year-old former Rubin Kazan stopper signed for the Lions during the January transfer window but a prolonged work permit application process meant he didn’t arrive in the country until Sunday.

But Martindale says he has trained with his new team-mates on Monday and Tuesday and says it’s crucial the new arrival is ‘integrated’ into the squad as quickly as possible.

Konovalov will provide competition for incumbent starter Max Stryjek with the Lions having had 39-year-old part-timer Gary Maley as his deputy since September when Daniel Barden returned to parent club Norwich City to undergo treatment for testicular cancer.

Speaking to the Courier, Martindale said: “I picked Ivan up from the airport on Sunday morning and showed him around the place and took him to Tony Macaroni.

“Everything was pretty plain sailing at this end on Sunday at least, but it has been a lengthy process.

“He’ll be in the squad on Saturday. We need to try and integrate him into the squad as early as possible and he’s done well in training and seems to be settling into the club well.”

He added: “I think we’ve actually been really fortunate that we’ve lasted so long with Max staying in form and staying injury-free for so long.

“Stretch (Maley) has been incredible for us and I’d have trusted him to do a job if we needed him for a game but I think it’s about time I put him out to pasture to be honest.

“Ivan will provide great competition for Max and I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing what he can bring to the football club.”

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