Livingston goalkeeper Brian Schwake is set to head out on loan with the Championship being the Lions’ preferred destination for the youngster.
The 20-year-old American played a starring role last season to help guide Edinburgh City to promotion from League Two and earned a place in the division’s Team of the Year for his efforts.
Schwake, who also had a short stint on loan at Linlithgow Rose the previous season, was in inspired form as the capital club beat Annan Athletic in the League One play-off final last month and Lions boss David Martindale believes he’s ready for the challenge of playing in the second tier.
Speaking to the Courier, Martindale said: “Brian did really well at Edinburgh City last season and was brilliant in the play-off games.
“He’ll be going back out on loan and we’re probably looking at the Championship for him if I’m honest.
“Edinburgh City would be a very good club for him and I know they’re keen to get him back but I do think he’s got enough about him to jump the rung from League Two to the Championship.
“He did extremely well last season and I think he’s got the ability to play in the Championship this season and who know, maybe he can come back next season and fight for the number one jersey.”
He added: “This has been the pathway that we’ve always had in mind for Brian and he’s done brilliantly so far and continues to improve.
“We want him to get somewhere in the region of 80-100 games under his belt before he comes back to us.
“Whether he’s in the Championship for one or two years - assuming we can get him there this season - is really up to him and how he performs and develops but he’s on the right track.”
While Schwake will be getting loaned back out by the Lions following a season away from the club, Martindale says he expects winger Josh Mullin to fight for game time at Livi this term while discussions remain ongoing with young striker Jack Hamilton.
Mullin made just one substitute appearance last season before a loan move to Hamilton Accies, where he played 34 times in all competitions for the Championship club.
Striker Hamilton earned praise for a fine 2019/20 campaign on loan at East Fife and Arbroath but struggled on his return to Livi last term before heading back out to Arbroath in the winter transfer window last season.
He is currently out of contract but the Lions would be due a compensation development fee should he sign elsewhere.
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