OVER the last couple of years, Livingston’s young goalkeeper Dave McEwan has been named in the squad for most of the team’s matches.
And while up until now, he’s seldom featured in the actual games, last week’s departure of Javier Sanchez Broto to Celtic has presented the Lanarkshire lad with an opportunity that he plans to grab with both his formidable hands.
Even if the midweek signing of Alan Main from St Johnstone wasn’t a surprise to Dave, it’s something he will use to his advantage.
“I knew they were going to bring someone in,” he added, “but I’ll just keep plugging away and it’s a matter of me playing well.
“I will also learn by watching what he does.”
A month short of his 21st birthday, Dave has been playing in goals since the age of 13.
But it wasn’t his first choice position.
“Before that I played centre half, but my PE teacher at school put me in goals and my dad thought I was a better keeper as well.”
It was obviously a wise decision. For Dave was spotted by Livingston just a year later when playing for Shotts.
Like most other kids in his home town of Newmains, Dave spent most of his time playing football and didn’t have much room in his life for any other hobbies.
From a family of four – three boys and a girl – Dave followed Rangers as a youngster and went to many of the matches involving the Ibrox side.
But unlike the rest of the spectators, Dave only had eyes for two people on the park – both of them goalkeepers. In particular, he was normally glued to the antics of his hero, Andy Goram. “I used to love watching the guy and the saves he pulled off,” he added. “They were unbelievable.”
Until the start of this season, Dave had never played in the same match as the ‘Goalie’ But his dream came true when on loan to Clyde. “It was great and I spoke to him after the match.”
As part of the goalkeepers union, Dave feels a great deal of sympathy for his fellow keepers when any ‘howlers’ are subjected to public scrutiny. “I watch football on TV all the time and I always feel really sorry for the keepers when they make a mistake.”
Having joined Livingston at such an early age, Dave is still very much eager to learn. And he has nothing but the highest praise for the club’s goalkeeping coach, Roy Baines. “I have learnt so much from him, and the other keepers who have been here as well, like Javier, Neil Alexander and Eagle. I even learn from the young boys as well.
“It shows you what the keepers here have gone on and done. Rab Douglas to Celtic, Javier Sanchez Broto to Celtic, Neil Alexander to Cardiff and Eagle as well.”
Dave has been part of the Scotland under-21 set-up, where he has met up with former team-mate Neil Alexander. “It’s been great being involved in the set-up,” he said.
Outside of football, Dave has never had a job. Well, at least for not any length of time. “I actually left school early,” he confessed, “and had a job picking tomatoes. So when I got the chance to come here, I just grabbed it. I had a sore back picking all those tomatoes.
“It makes me really appreciate what I have got and how I am getting paid for doing something I love, when I used to have to pay to play football.
“Not many people like their work and I will never take it for granted. I just take each day as it comes.”
Javier Sanchez Broto’s move to Celtic was swift, leaving Dave little time to dwell on the fact that he was suddenly the club’s senior keeper.
“Saturday’s game against Dunfermline was a big thing,” he admitted, “but the fans were brilliant.
“I felt great. It was a great feeling running out onto the park, especially with me not being that used to playing so much. I really enjoyed it.
“For some reason, I was more nervous the second half than I was the first.”
“I don’t thank I had the best of games, but I suppose apart from a couple of crosses I did not bad.
“I’m not used to the wee tugs that you get from players like Craig Brewster, you don’t get it at under-21 level, but I will just learn from that.”
Although Dave has spent much of his career to date sitting on the bench, it’s time that has been put to good experience. As well as feeling very much part of the first-team squad, it also allows him to get a close-up view of the action. And Dave reckons he learns something from every game, whether he takes part or not. “I watch everything and pick up everything.
“Even being in the changing room and listening to the gaffer speaking, you learn a lot. Listening to the likes of Rubio and watching the Spanish games on SKY on a Sunday night, I also learn a lot. You pick up everything they do as well.”
Dave has had a good apprenticeship at Livingston. His best memories are the Scottish Cup and the European run. “The European experience was brilliant, “ he said. “It was great seeing what it is like in other countries.”
Dave doesn’t really have many hobbies outside of football. At one time, he used to follow greyhound racing, in Armadale and Wishaw. But now, the few hours in his life when he’s not playing, thinking about or watching football, Dave indulges in a spot of pool.
Although he has ambitions to play at the very highest level, including turning out for his country at full international level, at the moment the young keeper is fully concentrating on Livingston. “Anything else would be a bonus,” he commented.
Today’s visitors are Kilmarnock. And Dave knows they will be tough opponents. “Kilmarnock will give us a very difficult game. They’re a good side and have an experienced goalie in Gordon Marshall.”
While Dave might not be able to rattle off the Kilmarnock line up, there is one thing he knows about the club. “They have former Scotland keeper Jim Stewart on their coaching staff,” he pointed out.
Following the winter break, Livingston started the second half of the league season in fine fettle with Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Partick Thistle.
And Dave believes can turn things round from the disappointing first half results “I think we have the players to get ourselves up the league,” he added, “and hopefully we can get in the top six.”
And since it’s just as important to stop a goal as it is to score one, Dave could have a big part to play in Livingston’s eventual destiny. “Every game’s a big game in this league,” he said, “It doesn’t matter what position you are in, every game’s massive.”
When and where were you born?
Lanark, 26/2/1982
Romantic status (ie married, single, available, unavailable)
Single, but not available as I have a girlfriend
What’s your favourite record?
Why Does It Always Rain On Me by Travis
Who would you want to play you in a film?
Vinnie Jones
What do you like most about West Lothian?
There’s a great atmosphere about the place
What do you like least about West Lothian?
The weather
If you could be someone else, who would it be?
Andy Goram
What do you like most about yourself?
I am very easy going
What do you like least about yourself?
I swear too much
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I have a Homer Simpson tattoo on my right arm
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& used will full permission of Livingston FC