Livingston boss pulls out stops to keep loan stars

Dec 31 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Hegarty pulls out all stops to secure extended stay for his loan stars as he eyes promotion

LIVINGSTON boss Paul Hegarty has confirmed negotiations are ongoing with both Hearts and Celtic on the options of keeping loan stars Callum Elliot and Rocco Quinn in West Lothian after the New Year.

Elliot has scored ten goals since his move down the M8 while Quinn has become a key player for Hegarty - and the manager is keen to have both players as part of his promotion seeking squad for the second half of the season.

But both are due to return to their parent clubs this week unless a deal can be struck to extend their stay at Almondvale.

However, the Livi boss is hopeful the duo will be back after the New Year to help the Lion’s promotion bid which is now firmly back on track after recent results.

“Our priority at the moment is to get Callum and Rocco tied up until the end of the season,” admitted Hegarty.

“Talks are still ongoing but I must say that Hearts have been very good with us.

“I know Callum is wanting to stay here as he is enjoying his football and I hope Hearts will allow us to keep him until the end of the season.”

Hegarty has also confirmed free agent Brian Kerr has been training with the club.

He freely admits to being keen to tie the ex-Motherwell and Hibs midfielder down to a long term deal.

“There are one or two other clubs interested in Brian but he has been with us for a while training to keep his fitness up.

“We’ll know within the next three or four days what is happening with him but at the moment there's nothing we can say.

“There is nothing new with James McPake either. We want to keep all our best players and he fits into that category.

“He’ll be here until the end of the season unless something changes over the next few days.

“James has been excellent in training and very committed for us and we hope to keep him at least until the summer.”