Livingston are set to finally welcome Russian goalkeeper Ivan Konovalov to West Lothian – but he won’t be available for Saturday’s clash with St Mirren.
The former Rubin Kazan stopper has had his work permit approved but he’s unable to travel to the UK until Sunday.
The 27-year-old was due to arrive on Wednesday and be named in the squad for this weekend’s clash but boss David Martindale says he’s just relieved to get the deal over the line.
The Lions have been without a genuine back-up keeper since Daniel Barden was diagnosed with testicular cancer in September – which left 39-year-old Gary Maley, who hasn’t featured in a league game since 2018, as the reserve keeper.
Speaking to the Courier, Martindale commented: “Big Ivan has his work permit all sorted and he was due on Wednesday.
“We’d arranged his flights and got everything sorted but for whatever reason the work permit says he’s not allowed to travel until February 20 but it’s good to finally get it all sorted.
“It’s a big positive because I think we’ve been riding our luck a wee bit if I’m honest.
“Gary Maley has been brilliant for us and I’d trust him to throw him into a game if Max (Stryjek) got injured but you want that genuine challenge.
“There was actually one point on Saturday against Hearts where I nearly put him on for the penalties just to throw them because that’s his speciality.
“I didn’t want to do that to Max but I was wrestling with myself for five minutes about whether to do it or not.”
He added: “I’m really looking forward to getting Ivan in the building and working with him.
“He’s a really good keeper and from the chats we’ve had he comes across as a nice guy so it will be good to have him at the club.”
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