Edinburgh City bolster squad with loan capture of Brian Schwake from Livingston

Edinburgh City have secured the loan signing of Livingston goalkeeper Brian Schwake for the 2021/22 season.

Brian Schwake in action for Linlithgow Rose in a Scottish Cup tie against Forfar Athletic

Long-serving Citizens ‘keeper Calum Antell left at the end of last season, signing for Championship side Arbroath, and the Illinois native joins Ryan Goodfellow and Cammy Quate as the League Two side’s goalkeeping options.

Schwake joined Livingston in early 2020 from DePaul University’s Blue Demons side and spent time on loan at Linlithgow Rose last term.

He signed a new deal earlier this year, tying him to the West Lothian side until the end of the 2022/23 season and is highly rated by those at Almondvale.

Expressing his delight at getting the deal over the line, City boss Gary Naysmith told ECFC TV: “Brian is extremely well thought of inside Livingston and we are delighted that both they and Brian have decided that Edinburgh City is the right club to help with the next stage of his development.

"Although only 19, Brian was recently awarded a contract with Livingston until the summer of 2023 and David [Martindale] believes that he has a real chance of becoming Livingston’s first-choice goalkeeper in the future.

"I have had several conversations with Brian over the close season whilst he has been back home in Chicago. He had several options on the table but his enthusiasm to join us was fantastic to hear and I know he can’t wait to get started with us when we return to pre season training.”

Goalkeeping coach Alex Connon added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Brian has chosen to join us for the coming season as I know there were a number of clubs interested in him.

"I’ve watched Brian’s progress since he came to Scotland after being made aware of him by Tony Caig, the Livingston goalie coach at the time.

"From then he’s shown a real commitment to his own development & I’m sure this will only continue with joining ourselves. I’m really looking forward to working with Brian, Ryan and Cammy and can’t wait to get started.”

Livingston have a January recall option in the deal if they wish to take Schwake back.

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