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Morton defender Ricki Lamie admits he is delighted in-demand striker Jai Quitongo is still a team-mate, even if it means having to put up with his banter in the changing room.
The Greenock club rejected a bid from English League Two side Doncaster Rovers for the 18-year-old on transfer deadline day last week.
Lamie is in no doubt the teenager is destined to make the move south at some point but is thrilled Ton can call upon his services as they seek to cemment their place in the Championship.
Speaking ahead of today’s trip to Ayr United, Lamie said: “It’s great he’s still at the club although it’s tough having to put up with his banter.
“He’s a good lad and he’s come on leaps and bounds. He seems a lot more focussed and he’s a real threat.
“I know as a centre-half that he’s a nightmare to play against, as soon as you have a bit of pace – it’s always a nightmare for any defender.
“It’s good the wee man is still kicking about and I’m sure his time will come in terms of getting a move.
“We’re delighted to keep hold of him and he obviously boosts our attack as well.
“I don’t think he should be in any rush to move on, he’s enjoying his football and it’s a good changing room.
“At 18 years of age, he’s not in any rush but he’s definitely got all the attributes. He’s got pace to burn, he’s got bags of power and energy and he’s showed in the previous games as well that he can score goals too.
“I’m sure if it keeps going the way it’s going then it will come for him.
“No-one will let him get carried away and he’s just delighted to be involved.”
Ayr United are rooted to the Championship basement with one point from four matches but Honest Men gaffer Ian McCall insists his players are beginning to get used to the demands of the second tier.
He said: “We feel that we are coming together as a team and getting up to speed.
“It was always going to take a period of time to adapt and come to terms with the difference in pace and in quality of the Championship, however, we are getting there.
“A win on Saturday would move us up a couple of places and bunch up the league and, with a couple of hard away trips coming up, we will be going all out for the win.”
