Livingston midfielder Scott Pittman admits he was not prepared to wait for Aberdeen to make their move after signing a new two-year deal with the Lions.
The 26-year-old agreed fresh terms with Gary Holt’s side last Friday, just days after being linked with a switch to Pittodrie, and is now contracted to the club until summer 2021.
Pittman has started in all 36 of his team’s matches so far this season and the playmaker’s form is a significant factor in Livingston being 20 points clear of the relegation zone ahead of this evening’s visit of Hibernian.
The diminutive player only joined the club from junior outfit Bo’ness United in February 2015 and Pittman admits he had little hesitation in pledging his long-term future to the Tony Macaroni outfit.
He said: “I was happy to sign for another two years and get that security. It is the first time I have signed a longer term contract as it has always been one-year deals before.
“When there is speculation it is on your mind and it was flattering a team like Aberdeen were reportedly interested.
“But you can’t just sit and wait of things to happen. That’s why I was happy to extend my stay at Livingston.
“I was aware of the interest although only through the papers. I didn’t pay that much attention.
“My main focus is trying to do my best for Livingston.
“They have been great for me from the first day I signed.
“It is a happy club and most of the squad have been together for a few years now.
“We have grown together.”
Pittman used to work on the roads during his playing days in the junior ranks and admits his meteoric rise with Livingston from League One to the top-flight is hard to comprehend.
He added: “It is a bit surreal when you look back and I was playing junior football four years ago. Now I’m in the top flight.
“At Broxburn I would be playing in front of maybe 100 fans but there were a few more at Bo’ness who were a bigger team.
“I was doing well in the juniors and I did think I could go higher but I never thought I would be playing in the Premiership. It has been crazy.
“It has been a great journey over the past few years and hopefully it can continue.
“Everybody is close in the changing room and I think that shows on the pitch.”
