New Morton goalkeeper Andy McNeil admits he is delighted to be back in full-time football after leaving Alloa.
The experienced 29-year-old has joined Jim Duffy’s Championship play-off hopefuls on a deal until the end of the season after Derek Gaston picked a head knock in the recent Scottish Cup win at Annan.
And should Gaston miss out again in today’s visit of Dumbarton, McNeil is likely to be handed an immediate debut.
The former Hibs player departed the Wasps last month following the arrival of Scott Gallacher from Hearts but is thrilled to be back in the full-time ranks.
He said: “I spoke to Jim on Sunday and he was looking for me to play as a trialist on Tuesday in the game at Alloa but the rules don’t allow you to do that.
“It took a wee while to get over the line but it’s great to have signed for such a big Championship club like Morton.
“It’s a big fulll-time club with a big fan base and it’s a good opportunity for me.
“They’ve got the young lads like James McGowan, who is a young, talented goalkeeper, but he obviously doesn’t have much first team experience.
“Jim was looking for someone to come in with a bit more experience to push Derek.
“Derek’s done a fantastic job at Morton over the last few years or so.
“Keepers have come in and pushed him but not been able to displace him and Jim wants someone that can come in and push Derek.
“And if there are times when Derek can’t play, then that will be a chance for me to come in.”
After battling out a goal-less draw with Dundee in the Scottish Cup last week, Sons manager Stevie Aitken, meanwhile, is hoping his side can collect the win that will see them move on to 25 points with Ton.
He said: “If we win, we draw level with Morton and now that they’ve played their game in hand, we can catch them.
“We’ve trained well, as always, and the players are keen to do well.
“It’s an important period coming up so we have to be focussed.”
