Former Rangers defender weighs up his future at top-flight newcomers

Livingston captain Craig Halkett admits the identity of the club’s new manager will be a major factor in deciding whether he pledges his future to the club.

The defender is out of contract at the West Lothian outfit having played a central role in helping the Lions achieve promotion back to the Premiership through the play-offs.

Despite returning to the top-flight for the first time in 12 years, highly-rated manager David Hopkin sees his future elsewhere after turning down a new deal.

Former Rangers trainee Halkett, who made the shortlist for the PFA Scotland Championship player of the year award, is also not short of interest and the 23-year-old admits the decision over who replaces Hopkin in the dugout will have a bearing on his next step.

Halkett said: “I’ve been keeping a close on eye on what is going on at Livingston and I’ve been speaking to the guys who are still there about it, and the players the club are signing.

“The new manager coming in would be a big factor in my decision.

“I know the coaching staff that are already there and I’ve seen what the club are saying in terms that they want someone to come in and work with the existing staff – and that’s something I need to take into account as well.

“I’ve just got back from my holidays so I’ll sit down with my agent in next couple of days and assess my options.

“I’ve heard from Livingston as well but it will be a case of sitting down and seeing if there is anything else that is appealing.

“Probably the majority of the team, whether they were in contract or not, would have been attracting attention from other clubs given the season we’ve had.

“It’s going to be a hard decision when it comes to it.”