Lawrence hoping to help Morton push for play-offs

New Morton striker Lawrence Shankland says he is hoping to help Jim Duffy’s side push for a play-off place in the second half of the season after joining on loan from Aberdeen.

Shankland today finalised his temporary transfer from the Dons after signing his paperwork at Cappielow earlier in the week and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s match against Raith Rovers.

With Jai Quitongo out for the foreseeable future as he works his way back after a knee operation and Kudus Oyenuga doubtful, attacking options are thin on the ground for Ton boss Jim Duffy.

The 21-year-old hitman was well aware of the Greenock men’s striking woes and is aiming to come in and hit the ground running after a stop-start spell with St Mirren in the first half of the campaign.

Speaking exclusively to gmfc.net, Shankland said: “I’ve signed on loan here at Morton until the end of the season through a recall back to Aberdeen.
“My loan with St Mirren was supposed to run until the end of the season, but it’s not really worked out the way I wanted it to and I wasn’t getting as much game time as I was wanting.
“So I thought it would have been better for me to move on. It was mutual. I obviously spoke to the gaffer Jack Ross and said I was frustrated with how I wasn’t playing. We had an adult conversation and decided if I wanted to move on that was best.

“Jim Duffy phoned me and said he had a few options and he had to wait and see. Then he called me on Tuesday and I had a couple of options, but I decided here was best for me.

“One of the reasons is where they are in the league. The table doesn’t lie and the team is doing really well. Having played against them I’ve seen that they are a good team, a decent squad. It’s also a hard place to come Cappielow.

“I also looked at the striking situation and the injuries Morton had, so it was an opportunity for me to come to a club and prove myself. I’ve seen how many chances Morton create so I know I’ll get good service and hopefully a few goals.

“I was obviously with St Mirren, so coming from their rivals some supporters might give me stick but hopefully in the end I’ll do a good enough job for them.

“Morton are flying and I’m looking forward to coming and getting involved in that and hopefully pushing for the play-offs.”

Image: Jonathan Mitchell