Scotland and former Livi striker Lyndon Dykes is set for a huge season after he elected to sign a new deal with Queens Park Rangers, according to current Lions boss David Martindale.
Dykes became the club’s highest ever transfer fee received when he moved down south three years ago in a £1.7 million deal with the Championship club.
He’s netted 30 goals in his three campaigns with the London outfit whilst also earning rave reviews for his performances in a Scotland jersey.
That was highlighted in the recent dramatic 2-1 win in Norway where Dykes scored a late equaliser before teeing up Kenny McLean barely 60 seconds later for the winner.
Dykes had been subject to rumoured transfer interest from both Millwall and Rangers and although Martindale admits it would have been ideal for Livi to cash in on their 15 per cent sell-on clause this summer, any figure could be trebled with a good season at Loftus Road.
Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, he said: “It’s actually a good thing for the club that he’s signed a new deal to be honest. Could we have been doing with some kind of cash right now? Yes, but the sell-on is still part of the transfer and I think Lyndon can take off this year.
“There’s just something a little bit different I’m seeing in him just now. The club was in transition a wee bit and he’s done OK there but I think Gareth Ainsworth (QPR manager) suits Lyndon in terms of how he wants to play football and he was very vocal in terms of wanting him to stay at the club. I know they have a very good relationship.”
He added: “The big man is flying for Scotland right now and there’s just something in my gut telling me that he’s ready to take another step.
“He did that when he left us but I think there’s a change in him and his game and I can see him delivering a wee bit more and who knows, maybe he would have gone for £2 million or a bit more this summer but a good season can see that figure treble.
“I think this is a big year for him and long-term that can only help Livingston.”
Dykes, who bagged 14 goals in 36 games for the Lions, is now entrenched as a Scotland starter according to Martindale, which can only boost his transfer interest.
He said: “He’s now at ease with international football and he’s becoming a must pick for Scotland. He’s our established no.9 now.
"I think there's maybe six or seven guys that Steve Clarke feels are guys who will be starting when they're fit and I believe Lyndon is one of them. He's been immense for Scotland."
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