Livingston boss David Martindale is confident Caleb Chukwuemeka will shine for the Lions despite a challenging start to life in Scotland.
The 20-year-old signed on loan from English Premier League side Aston Villa during the January transfer window but life in West Lothian hasn’t been the smoothest so far.
The former Northampton Town player lasted just seven minutes before being substituted against Aberdeen on Saturday with Martindale admitting the youngster’s work-rate was lacking.
Despite that, though, the gaffer told the Courier that he has no doubts Chukwuemeka will come good for Livingston.
He said: “He’s a young man and I’ve got a duty of care to Caleb. First and foremost, it’s a duty of care to Livingston Football Club, but I’ve got that to Caleb, to Aston Villa and Caleb’s family as well.
“I’ve told them all that I’ll make him a better player and I do genuinely believe that will be the case.
“Are we further behind where we hoped he would be at this stage? Yes, I think that’s fair to say and most people can see that.
“Will we get him to where I need him to be? Yes, I really do believe that.
“Honestly, he’s a fantastic young guy and he’s a real joy to have around the place. It’s up to me as the manager of this football club to get the best out of Caleb and I believe I’ll do that.”
He added: “It’s a steep learning curve coming to Livingston and playing in this league and the demands we put on players.
“I ask the players to do the dirty side of the game and that’s what Caleb needs to work on.
“I’m putting a lot of demands on him because I want him playing well for Livingston and going back to Aston Villa as a better football player.
“Ability is not in question, he’s absolutely frightening, if a little bit raw.
“Marvin (Bartley, Livi assistant manager) had spoken to John McGinn and I’d spoken to Steven Gerrard about him. When you’re getting glowing feedback from people of that stature, you
listen.
“He’s got all the raw attributes and I do believe we’ll get the best out of him but he’s unfortunately learning the hard way just now.”
Chukwuemeka was introduced in the 83rd minute against the Dons at the weekend with Livi a goal to the good but down to 10 men.
A disappointing display saw him hooked seven minutes later. Martindale explained that decision, saying: “Maybe I need to take a portion of the blame for Saturday. In hindsight, did I have to put him on? Probably not.
“But then in my defence, I wasn’t wanting him to go on and bully the full-backs.
“I was just wanting endeavour and work-rate and that was missing – I think that was plain to see.
“You had Omeonga, Pittman, and Holt trying to shut down full-backs then having to drop back in to midfield when we were down to 10 men.
“When he came up, he was to be a no.9. That’s what Aston Villa want him to be and that’s what I was signing but I’ve had lots of conversations with Caleb and he probably sees himself more as a wide player.
“So straight away the profile changes. I was sitting on the bench and I put him on because Joel Nouble wasn’t available.
“Bruce Anderson has played a lot of football and it’s always on the back of my mind that he’s diabetic and maybe his energy levels drop a wee bit quicker and impact him more than others so I needed a no.9.
“That’s why Caleb went on the park and it didn’t work out but I believe he will show his capabilities at this football club.”
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