Livingston boss hails progress of South African youngster as they look to set up loan move

Livingston boss David Martindale admits he's 'gutted' that South African youngster Aphelele Teto failed to get a work permit - because he's improved so much during his limited time in West Lothian that defenders can't get the ball off him in training.

The 20-year-old signed from TS Galaxy in his homeland on a four-year deal but the Lions were unable to secure a Governing Body Endorsement, which would then have allowed them to apply for a work permit. The result of that is set to be a loan spell back in Africa with the club trying their luck once again in January.

Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale said the youngster has already come on leaps and bounds and is ready for first-team action - although that will have to wait a few months at least.

He said: "His fitness has kicked on incredibly. He's now at a level where he's in and around the group whereas when he first came in, he was a fair bit behind but he's kicked on massively. The more he trains, the more frustrated I am he couldn't get a work permit.

"We played 9v9 on Tuesday and he was incredible in all aspects - with the ball, tackling, in the press - the guys honestly couldn't get the ball off him. Every training session I leave absolutely gutted we can't play him. He's further ahead than I thought he would be at this stage.

"He's game ready right now. The fans should be excited that we've got guys like Teto and Sammy (Samson Lawal) at the club because they're very good prospects."

He added: "I'm working just now on getting him a loan deal back to one of the top three African leagues - either Egypt, Tunisia or South Africa - where he's eligible to work and then we'll try again in January.

"He's such a clever football player, it's brilliant to see. It's