Defender de Lucas leaves Livingston

Only a day after their 2-1 defeat at home to Hearts, cinch Premiership bottom-markers Livingston have announced that defender Luiyi de Lucas has left the club.

The Dominican Republic international, who has made 14 appearances for his country, played on 22 occasions for the West Lothian combine after joining in January last year and was listed as one of nine substitutes against the Jam Tarts. He was not used.

The 29-year-old defender, who is 6ft 3in tall, also scored one goal during his stay but is a free agent and also holds Spanish citizenship

Lions manager David Martindale said: “Luiyi came and spoke to me a few weeks back and stressed that he was struggling with homesickness and was missing being with his family.

“We agreed that Luiyi would continue until the winter break as to not leave us short in the last few weeks before agreeing to terminate his contract to allow him to return closer to home and family.

“I wish Luiyi well wherever his next move is and thank him for his time at the club.”

MAIN PICTURE: David Martindale in the Livingston dugout during the Hearts fixture. Picture David Mollison

General view of a section of the support for Hearts at The Tony Macaroni Arena. Picture Nigel Duncan