MORTON players have hailed lifelong fan and brave firefighter Andrew Adams who suffered life-changing injuries in the line of duty.

The fireman, who was left with horrific injuries after a wall collapsed on him as he tackled a blaze in Greenock, had a surprise visit in hospital from defender Michael Doyle and his Ton team-mates.

They turned up armed with gifts from the club, including recording of the games he has missed, as well a signed poster, strip and programmes from all the recent matches.

The players told the Tele today that they were deeply moved by the courage shown by both Andrew and his family.

Michael vowed that the Cappielow men would give their full support to the £250,000 campaign which has been launched to help Andrew’s rehabilitation.

Michael, 25, in his first season with the club, said: “He really is an inspiration. Andrew is facing up to the challenges that lie ahead and remains so positive.

“It really puts things into perspective. We all worry about day to day things and then when you see for yourself what Andrew faces now. He really is an amazing character and has such a great sense of humour.

"It was a real privilege to meet him. Our fans give Morton their full support and we want to show that the club cares about them back.”

Michael arranged to visit Andrew at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow with Ton team-mates John Scullion and Gary Oliver.

They took with them the signed strip, which Andrew put on straight away, the poster and programmes, including one from the Betfred Cup semi-final against Aberdeen. Staff at the club had also compiled a collection of Morton games on video to help Andrew catch up on the matches he has been forced to miss while in hospital.

They also met his partner Clare Linning, a nurse, his daughter Hannah, and son Darren, 14.

Michael added: “We were gutted at the club when we heard what happened to Andy.

“Before we went in to see him we were told the full extent of his injuries, but Andrew immediately put us as ease. We went away feeling lifted by meeting him. It was great to see the look on his son’s face. It lit up when we came in. We spent a long time with Andy and his family. He is such an inspirational person and you can see that he is helping keep the spirits up of others in the spinal unit.”

The 49-year-old Greenock watch manager was injured as he fought a suspicious blaze at the former Larkfield Masonic Association club in Auchmead Road in August.  Since the £250,000 appeal was launched, cash has been pouring in from the local community and beyond.

Michael said: “I have told his family that the team will do everything that we can to support the campaign. We will be there if they need players to turn up at any events or if they need anything signed.”

Councillor Chris McEleny, who is also a life-long Morton fan, praised the club for their community spirit. He has urged people in Inverclyde to give their backing to a firefighter who put himself on the frontline to help others – and pledge to the fundraising campaign.

He said: “This was a lovely touch. It shows Morton is a community club. Andrew is a popular guy. My family know him well through the Greenock Morton Supporters’ Club and we all want to do everything we can.

“There will be lots coming up over the next few months. I think the public will want to show their support for a man who has served our community.”

If you would like to contribute, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Andy-Adamsfund?utm_id=107&utm_term=77WVgG28j
Alternatively visit www.paypal.me/andyadamsfund, www.facebook.com/andyadams.fund, twitter.com/AndyAdamsfund or email andyadamsfund@gmail.com