Livingston have released homesick defender Luiyi de Lucas.
The 29-year-old Dominican Republic international joined Livi in the summer from Finnish club Haka and made 25 appearances for the cinch Premiership’s bottom club, whose defeat by Hearts on Tuesday left them with only two points from their last 13 games.
Manager David Martindale told Livingston’s website: “Luiyi came and spoke to me a few weeks back and stressed that he was struggling with homesickness and was missing being with his family.
“We agreed that Luiyi would continue until the winter break as to not leave us short in the last few weeks before agreeing to terminate his contract to allow him to return closer to home and family.
“I wish Luiyi well wherever his next move is and thank him for his time at the club.”
Meanwhile after yesterday's defeat to Hearts, Martindale felt Hearts forward Shankland, who scored his 18th goal of the season, was “the difference in the game”.
“He must be worth four or five million pound,” said the Lions boss. “We actually had some very good moments to win the game. There were a lot of positives bar the result.
“I felt it was a bit more of what I want from a Livingston team.
“But the top end of the park was the difference and Hearts have got a match-winner in their team.
“I know he misses the pen but the outside-of-the-foot finish for the second goal is fantastic.
“Our marking is diabolical, terrible. But that’s probably the difference: Lawrence Shankland.
“I look at him and compare him and he’s completely different from (Celtic striker) Kyogo but he’s slightly like (former Rangers forward Alfredo) Morelos.
“Lawrence has more in his overall game and a better mentality. When Morelos was at his prime, it’s a tough one but I’m probably taking Lawrence
“18 goals in all competitions, half-way through a season, is incredible numbers.
“It’s not just against us either, he’s scoring all types of different finishes against everyone.”
