Striker Gavin Reilly has today signed for Scottish Premiership club Livingston after his departure from Carlisle United.

The frontman has agreed an 18-month deal with the side who sit fifth in Scotland's top flight.

It comes hours after Reilly's exit from Brunton Park by mutual consent.

His move to Almondvale was welcomed by boss David Martindale who said on the club's website: “Gavin is a player I’ve been trying to sign in most transfer windows since he moved away from St Mirren a few seasons ago.

"I nearly had him signed in 2018 but he opted to go down to Bristol Rovers and, at the time, it was a very good move for him. 

 “While at St Mirren, Gavin always impressed me.

“I’m delighted to get Gavin on a 18-month contract as I feel he will be a valuable player in the coming months – he is most definitely a player who will enhance the squad we already have here at the club."

There is another Blues link at Livingston in the shape of former United keeper and coach Tony Caig, who is their goalkeeping coach.

Gretna-based Reilly scored once in 21 appearances for the Cumbrians after joining the Blues in the summer.

He found himself down the pecking order in recent weeks and decided to end his time at Brunton Park.

United are expected to move to replace Reilly and are believed to be targeting reinforcements in attack.

Boss Chris Beech said things had not worked out for Reilly at Brunton Park and the Blues did not want to stand in his way of a fresh opportunity.

"Gav is the type of player that is mindful of his future career as well as the here and now," Beech said on United's website.

“An opportunity presented itself to allow him to go into an environment where he’s consistently done well and scored goals, and by doing the same again he will set himself into a good position for future seasons.

“It’s important to be respectful of Gav’s wishes and at the same time do the right thing for the football club, freeing up both a slot in the group and provide some finance back in the building to support us moving on."

Both Beech and director of football David Holdsworth said they wished the 27-year-old well for the future.

"He’s a fantastic lad and a consummate professional," Beech added, while Holdsworth said: “Gav goes with our best wishes and I’ve no doubts he’ll hit the ground running and prove to be a success at his new club."

"He's an excellent person and we wish him well as he goes back north of the border."

Reilly, who was on United's books from under-9 to under-12 level, and later returned for a spell with the club's under-16s, has played much of his football in Scotland, with Queen of the South, Hearts, Dunfermline and St Mirren.

He joined Carlisle last summer after spells in England with Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham.

He made just three league starts, with his only goal coming in the Papa John's Trophy against Aston Villa's Under-21s.

He also scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup shoot-out against Hayes & Yeading.