Livingston FC is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Stephen Kelly from Rangers FC for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old Scotland U21 internationalist joins from the Ibrox side on a 3-year-deal and will be available for selection for Saturday’s clash with Heart of Midlothian, wearing the number 17 shirt.

Stephen made his debut for Rangers in the League Cup against Ayr United back in 2018 before following that up with two more appearances at the start of last season, including a substitute appearance at home to Alashkert in the Europa League.

The midfielder spent the 2019-20 season on-loan in the Scottish Championship with Ayr United, featuring 33 times for the Honest Men, scoring 6 goals. The Somerset men were looking good for a Premiership play-off spot before the season was cut-short due to COVID-19.

Into the 2020-21 season and Stephen spent a year in Dingwall on loan at Ross County, helping the Staggies stay in the top flight, featuring 29 times for the Highland side.

Last season would see Stephen start the campaign playing for Rangers and Rangers B before he moved south to Salford City on loan for the second half of the campaign. A strong second-half to the season seen Salford almost clinch a promotion play-off place but they would fall just short with Kelly playing 21 times for the English League 2 side.

Stephen has been capped 20 times from U16 to U21 level for Scotland, featuring most recently for the 21’s away to Denmark back in June where he scored the opener in a 1-1 draw against the Danes.

Manager David Martindale said: “Stephen is a player whose development I have tracked since his days at Ayr United. I have watched him closely at Ayr, Ross County and Scotland 21’s.

 “I really like the way Stephen sees the game – he is a very creative player with great energy and a wonderful right foot.

 “He has a tremendous delivery from set plays and can play on either side as an 8, or further forward as a 10.

 “I’m delighted he has chosen to continue his career and development with Livingston FC. He has shown a strong commitment to Livingston FC by signing a 3-year-deal and I think it shows how highly we rate Stephen too.

 “We were only able to get this deal done with the help and understanding of Rangers FC, Stephen himself and his representation. I think it’s fair to say that there was a good bit of interest in Stephen and we are delighted he has chosen to sign on with ourselves.”

Welcome to the Lions, Stephen!

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