Danny Finlayson

Danny Finlayson steps onto the pitch as a defender for Livingston, a player whose path to the first team was not a straight line. He began his career in the Rangers academy before moving to St Mirren, a transfer that did not immediately secure him a regular place. Instead, he spent time on loan at Kelty Hearts, making 23 appearances and finding the net once, before joining Linfield on a similar deal. That spell proved more fruitful; he played 34 times for Linfield, scoring another goal, which kept him in the game when many of his peers were looking for work.

His move to Linfield became permanent in April 2023, and the experience there shaped his development. He made 33 more appearances, adding four goals to his tally, a significant return for a full-back operating on the right flank. By the time the window closed in May 2024, his value had grown enough to earn him a free transfer to Livingston. The decision worked immediately; he helped the club win the Scottish Challenge Cup and secured victory in the Championship playoffs during the 2024/25 season.

The future remains uncertain, but a new chapter is already in motion. In May 2026, Finlayson is set to leave Livingston for St Johnstone on a two-year contract as a free agent. He continues to rely on his right foot, using his 191 cm frame to hold ground against attackers.

Internationally, his journey has been quieter. He later moved to the under-21 setup, where he made one or two appearances from 2019 onwards. He has not yet been called up to the senior national side, but his club form at Livingston suggests he is knocking on the door.