PORT Glasgow footballer Stephen Kelly says he is determined to help Livingston fulfil their full ambition and fire the club into Europe.

The midfielder joined the Lions from Rangers at the start of September following loan spells at Ross County, Ayr United and English League Two side Salford City.

Kelly says manager David Martindale's ambition is what attracted him to Almondvale and he is excited to be a part of his long-term plans.

He told the Tele: "When you actually look at the club, they are well established in the top flight.

"As much as it is important for Livingston to be in the Premiership, he doesn’t just want to survive every year.

"He wants to try and improve and get the club up the table and as high as possible.

"He is eventually looking to get the club into the European positions.

"Being an ambitious player, that is the sort of people you want to work for and the sort of club you want to play for.

"Just the whole attitude of the club is impressive. They demand hard work and that is what I have always been about in my early career anyway. It's a pretty good fit for me.

"I don’t think Livingston get the credit that they deserve.

"There are good players in the team, and they do have a way of playing.

"If everybody is focused and tuned in there is no reason why Livingston can’t be in the top six and even better if they have a really good season."

Since joining Livi the 22-year-old has made six appearances and last month helped his side gain a valuable point at Ibrox against his former club.

With three loan spells under his belt, the ex-Rangers youngster is delighted to have landed a permanent club and is focused on driving Livingston up the Premiership table.

Kelly said: "When you sign for a club, they are investing their own time and money into you, whereas when you are on loan some clubs might think you are only there for six months or a full season and you might not get as much out of it.

"I feel at this stage of my career that I needed to be somewhere permanent, and the club know that as well, so it is an ideal scenario for everybody."

Before making the move, the Scotland Under-21 international spent the second half of last season on loan at Salford City.

With ex-Manchester United stars such as Gary Neville and Nicky Butt back the club, Kelly expects the League Two side to rise up the English pyramid.

He added: "I didn’t really know too much or what to expect, but when you hear about the club, they have that slightly more attractive look to them because of the story behind it.

"I think they will start to climb the leagues; it is not easy in the with the number of games, and a loss in form for two or three weeks can result in teams going up or not.

"But sooner rather than later you will start to see Salford climb."