COUNTY football star Michael McKenna admits he is “pinching himself” after earning a one-year’s contract with SPFL Championship side Livingston. McKenna, a mainstay of the Musselburgh Athletic side under Davie McGlynn last season and a local lad, has been snapped up by the West Lothian outfit, and described the move as “a dream come true”.

He has been signed by Musselburgh-born Livingston boss John McGlynn, who has enjoyed spells as a player and manager at Olivebank.

John – Davie McGlynn’s uncle – has been casting his eye over the 23-year old winger since the turn of the year, when McKenna enjoyed a successful trial, scoring twice in as many games for the club’s reserves.

Livi boss McGlynn said: “I’ve known Michael for a long time, though he’s been a late developer.

“I nearly signed him in January, but decided to leave it until now instead. He’s a naturally wide attacking player, strong, powerful and very quick.” McKenna was among six new signings unveiled by the Championship club ahead of the new season, and he is relishing the step up from junior football to be facing the likes of Hearts, Hibs and Rangers.

He told Courier Sport: “It’s hard to believe that this is my job – sometimes I have to stop and pinch myself.

“I knew some of the guys from when I was here in January, and the experienced guys are really helping me.

“The step up is noticeable even in training, the lads here really fire the ball at you and they’re able to see the game a totally different way.” The 23-year old, who had a spell at Hibs as a youngster, admits he is relishing the prospect of playing at Easter Road on the opening day of the season. He added: “I always keep an eye out on the Hibs scores, and I was even a ballboy at a couple of games. To get in the team and play some part in that game would be brilliant.” McKenna, who lives in Musselburgh, was offered a deal with the Championship outfit following the conclusion of his season at the county club.

He said: “I did wonder whether the chance had passed me by or not, so it was amazing to be asked to sign.

“The manager (at Musselburgh) told me that I had to go because he didn’t know when the opportunity would come up again.” An electrician by trade, McKenna believes there are others who can make the step from the junior leagues.

“There are lots of good, young guys there (at Musselburgh) and there are definitely players that can make it,” he said.

“ Even if they go to the Second or Third Division.” He also thanked his former club, saying: “I had a great two years at Musselburgh and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead at Livingston.

“Hopefully, if I can do well this year, it can be the springboard to a move to the division above.”