Livingston midfielder sets ambitious targets for season as he looks to take strides forward

Livingston midfielder Stephen Kelly is targeting double figures in goals and assists as the Lions get ready for Premiership action.

The 23-year-old’s debut campaign in West Lothian was a huge success, resulting in him taking home a slew of trophies at the club’s end of year awards, but he’s out for more this time around.

Kelly, who signed from Rangers just before the summer transfer window shut last term, bagged himself a brace in their 5-0 Viaplay Cup win over Cove Rangers to get himself off the mark.

He started for the first time this term at the weekend as the Lions set up a last-16 home clash with Championship outfit Ayr United thanks to a scrappy 1-0 triumph over Clyde.

Kelly commented: “When you’re my age, the next season is the most important. I’m just trying to keep improving and see where that takes you.

“I’d like to try and get into double figures in goals and assists - I got five goals last year so it would be a good achievement if I made an improvement on that.”

The ex-Scotland under-21 international confessed he thought he made huge strides forward after featuring in over 30 Premiership fixtures, commenting: “The more games I played, the better and more comfortable I felt. In some games you’re maybe more aggressive and on the front foot and some games you’re a bit more solid in a shape.

“Playing against different style of team will stand me in good stead for this season.

“Joining the club, I noticed it was quite an intense schedule physically. I got the rewards from doing that when I joined and noticed the difference in the second-half of the season and just trying to build on that even more.”

Kelly admitted their victory over Clyde was far from the prettiest on the eye but they got their just rewards.

Bruce