Livingston defender Luiyi de Lucas determined to win 'respect' of fans as he's set for first start

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Livingston defender Luiyi de Lucas admits it came in less than ideal circumstances but says it was a ‘dream’ to make his Lions debut on Saturday.And the 28-year-old says he can’t wait for tomorrow night’s clash with Dundee United as he is set for his first start and is determined to win the 'respect' of the Livi faithful.The Dominican Republic international came off the bench for the injured Ayo Obileye for the final 15 minutes or so in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Hibs.With Obileye sidelined - likely for the rest of the season - and fellow centre-back Jack Fitzwater suspended, the former FC Haka man is set to get the starting nod against United tomorrow.It’s a day he’s been waiting for and he says he’s desperate to win over the Livi fans and his fellow team-mates with a solid performance.Speaking to the Courier, he said: “I didn’t want to make my debut in those circumstances at all, but I waited for two months and I was excited to finally get the chance.“I can’t wait for tomorrow.

I want to show what I can do and win the respect of the fans and my team-mates and show them my quality.“I had to wait for my chance which is fair because the other centre-backs have been playing well and know the league, but it’s a dream for me to be playing at this level and it was a dream to play on Saturday.“I woke up happy because I had been given such a great opportunity to play in this league and for this team and I want to help them as much as possible.

I’ve been working hard to make sure I’m ready for when the manager needs me on the pitch.”De Lucas is set to go to battle against veteran former Scotland striker Steven Fletcher which will no doubt provide an interesting welcome to Scottish football but he insists he’s up to the challenge.He