Livingston boss David Martindale has tipped goalkeeper Shamal George to follow in the footsteps of Matija Sarkic and use the Lions as a launchpad to a top career.
Summer signing George has returned from injury in top form and produced three superb saves in Sunday’s goalless draw with Hearts. The 25-year-old's heroics between the sticks have helped Livingston into fourth place as they chase down a European spot. And Martindale reckons the former Colchester United shotstopper, who signed a four-year deal last summer, will go on to bigger and better things just like Sarkic who is now in the Premier League at Wolverhampton Wanderers and a full international for Montenegro.
Martindale said: “I think there is a lot more to come from Shamal. I genuinely believe he can go on in the game. This won’t be Shamal’s last club. Shamal will go on to a bigger club than Livingston. He’s a top, top keeper, one of the best I’ve had at the football club. I genuinely believe he can go on and have a fantastic career.
“If I look at Matija Sarkic, who we had earlier on, he’s at Wolves and has gone on loan to Stoke. He’s started games at Wolves, he’s been at Birmingham and Aston Villa.
“Shamal reminds me of Matija. He’s very athletic, a great size for a goalkeeper. Everyone is looking for someone who is 6ft 6ins but it’s hard to get these players.
“He’s good with the ball at his feet, great reflexes, he’s agile and he’s quick across the ground. So, for me, he’s got everything.”
Meanwhile Martindale revealed that fringe men Ivan Konovalov, Isma Goncalves and Phillip Cancar could yet depart the Tony Macaroni Arena this window. Russian goalkeeper Konovalov is exploring opportunities abroad while Cancar and Goncalves could depart on loan with that market open to Championship, League 1 and League 2 clubs beyond tomorrow’s deadline.
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