Livingston midfielder Andrew Shinnie admits he has turned down more lucrative offers in favor of a return to Scotland.

The 32-year-old, who won just one Scottish cap in 2012, signed a two-year contract with the Lions yesterday and says he looks forward to another Scottish Premiership victory.

The playmaker shone for Inverness during a two-year stint in the Highlands, his performances leading to his transfer to the English Championship from Birmingham City in 2013.

Aside from a loan from Hibs, the former Rangers youth product has spent his career in England ever since and believes now is the time to come home, for himself and his family.

He said: “I’ve spoken to quite a few clubs but Davie (Martindale, Livingston manager) was quite enthusiastic and made me feel wanted.

“I could have gone somewhere else for some reason, maybe financially I could have done better, but I’ve been to a lot of clubs in my career and have had my wife move all over the place. England and I felt good coming back to Edinburgh and enjoying my football and enjoying life off the pitch too.

“It really made sense. I stayed in Edinburgh with Hibs which was great, but I was on my own as my partner had a good job in Birmingham.

“It’s also good to come home and see family that I haven’t seen regularly for ten years or so.”

He added: “I talked to Davie, talked to Marvin (Bartley, Livi’s assistant) a bit and felt wanted by them. I saw that they were competitive last season and that “They did well. There is a good team spirit last season and Marv said to me, they were a good bunch of boys.

“From a personal point of view too, for my partner it is good for her to come back to Scotland and live in a beautiful part of the country.”

Despite his career which took him to the south, Shinnie admits he is familiar with Scottish football and says the lure of another crack in the country’s top teams was too strong, commenting: “I have enjoyed my career in the south very much but I have always checked on Scottish football more than anything else; scores, news and listening to podcasts.

“This is what I know, what I grew up with. I enjoyed the south and played with good clubs but wanted to come back to a decent age to have another chance in the Premiership and hopefully, show my qualities.

“I think there is a buzz around the Scottish game again. I wanted to come back and test myself again, I had done well before and it was one of my favorite football in Inverness. ‘is showcased this summer when I was looking at my options and wanted to give it a try. “

He added: “Speaking to Davie and other guys he’s demanding and demands standards. I’ve always played well for managers who are like that. That’s what I like.

“You can see how well they did and Davie was always a part of that, they weren’t lucky not to win a trophy last year. He’ll make me work hard I’m sure. .

“I love football and if he wants me to be there on Wednesday I’ll be ready.”

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