BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
JAI QUITONGO is adamant Cappielow is the perfect place to continue his development after shunning interest from north and south of the border to pen a new deal with Morton.
The 19-year-old is currently sidelined as he battles back from knee cartilage surgery, however he enjoyed a sensational first half of the campaign, scoring six goals and helping Jim Duffy’s side reach the Betfred Cup semi-final.
That attracted plenty of suitors, with Morton rejecting a bid in the region of £100,000 from Doncaster Rovers in January. West Ham, Crystal Palace, Swansea City, Hull City, Aston Villa, Wigan and Hearts have also been credited with an interest in the gifted front-man.
However, Quitongo, who also made his Scotland under-21 debut this term, insists committing to the Greenock outfit for at least another season was the right decision.
He told gmfc.co.uk: “I was playing well before the injury and there was obviously interest from other clubs, but I think it’s a good move signing with Morton again because they gave me the platform to play.
“I love it at Morton, it’s a great dressing room, so I was delighted to stay.
“Working under the gaffer [Jim Duffy], Hagi [Craig McPherson], and with Andy [Millen] as well, they gave me back my confidence and a chance to develop and become a better player.
“It’s been a great season and I’ve progressed. I’ve still got a long way to go but I think I’m in the right place to do it and continue my development. I still need to work hard at my game and hopefully I can kick on again.”