Villa's Chukwuemeka keen to express himself during Livi loan spell

New Livingston signing Caleb Chukwuemeka says he’s looking forward to gaining valuable experience after making a loan move from Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.

The 19-year-old forward has joined until the end of the season and will be in the squad for Livingston’s first game back after the break when the face Dundee on Tuesday.

Chukwuemeka says the move to top flight football is an important step for him and he says Livi manager David Martindale was the driving force behind the move to bring him to Scotland, though Gerrard gave his thumbs up to the loan spell.

“I felt it was the next step of my career in terms of following the right pathway,” he told STV.

“Obviously I spoke to David Martindale a few days before coming and he laid out his foundation and what he expects from me. I feel like it’s the next stepping stone.

“I’m excited about getting started.

“It was more that the gaffer here spoke to Steven Gerrard to find out how I am as a person and how I am on the pitch. He was more of an influence on me coming here.

“Obviously with [Steven Gerrard] managing Rangers for a time he knows how good the league is. He just expects me to come here and do what I do best.”

Martindale has said that Chukwuemeka arrives with a burgeoning reputation from Villa and is a versatile attacking player who will have the Livingston fans excited when he has the ball.

“The teenage forward says he just enjoys playing off the cuff and aims to enjoy his experience,” he said.

“I feel like I’m a flair player and I like to express myself. I don’t think too much, I just go with the flow but work hard as well. I’m a very expressive player and I enjoy my football.”