Livingston boss keen to keep 'ultimate professional' at club following contract talks

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Livingston boss David Martindale says he's 'hopeful' veteran midfielder Andrew Shinnie will sign a new deal with the club - and says he's close to knowing either way.The 33-year-old is coming to the end of his two-year contract and has been an integral part of the Lions side during his stay in West Lothian, making 71 appearances.And while Martindale says he can still be a huge player on the park, the boss admits he's keen to keep the once-capped Scotland international for the role he plays off it.Speaking to the Courier, Martindale said: "We’re close to a yes or no and I’m hopeful he’ll sign.

He brings a lot on the park but also lots off it. He helps with the integration of new players and is a calming influence."He's an ultimate professional who leads by example both on and off the park.

I think it's very, very important given the type of player we're losing this summer, that we keep as many guys like that at the club as we possibly can."He's brilliant to work with and a great influence in the changing room and you need people like that.""I spoke to him about his game time.

It will be totally up to him how much he gets next year if he stays. He knows he's got a huge role at this club if he chooses to see out the remainder of his career at Livingston."Martindale joked that the perfect outcome would see both parties unhappy with a deal, adding: "Shinnie's old and wise enough to know my budget isn't what it was and he isn't what he was either given his age."We're trying to reach that common ground where he's not happy and I'm not happy.