David Martindale is convinced Stephen Kelly will go on to play at a ‘higher level’ and earn Livingston a transfer fee after thriving at the club this season.

Martindale was surprised to land the Rangers youngster on a permanent deal in September but insists paying a fee for the 23-year-old was ‘too good an opportunity to miss’.

Kelly celebrated his 23rd birthday last week with a goal in Saturday’s crucial 2-0 win over St Johnstone to take his tally to five for the campaign.

And Martindale is thrilled with the way the former Ross County and Ayr United loanee has settled into life with the Lions since joining on a three-year deal.

He said: “Stephen’s form has been extremely pleasing. I said to him when he came in I thought it was important he found a home to play football.

“He had been at Rangers but he had been on loan. He has a home here.

“The chance came up and it was too good an opportunity to miss.

“I am surprised we got him as he had options. It is credit to him and his agent at the time as they pushed him to come here.

“He knew our background and our progression with players and he understood what went on here.

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“He could have gone elsewhere for more money but I know he wanted to come to us. 

“He took a gamble and I am delighted to have him here. He is a fantastic player and I think his career will go upwards from here.

“I told him not to put too much pressure on himself to get into the team early on. We used him sparingly and then he got himself into the team and he has kicked on.”

Saturday was Kelly’s 20th start of the season for Livingston and he has featured in each of the Lions’ last 20 outings in all competitions.

Martindale added: “I have high hopes for him and I class him as a senior player in the group.

“He is still a young player but he has played a lot of football at a good level. I am looking forward to seeing his development and he will be a big player next season.

“He won’t be with us forever but we want to turn him into an asset as I believe he can play at a higher level.”