MORTON yesterday tied up midfield playmaker Ross Forbes on a two-year extension, making him the first out-of-contract player to officially sign up for next season.

As exclusively revealed on Tuesday, Thomas O’Ware has agreed a two-year deal of his own but, although a formality, this had not yet been processed at the time of going to press.

The Tele also understands that defender Ricki Lamie has agreed terms on a new deal and that this is expected to be tied up in the coming days.

A statement on the Cappielow club’s official website confirmed: “Ross Forbes has today finalised a contract which will see him remain at Cappielow until May 2018.

“The 27-year-old has been a mainstay of Jim Duffy’s squad this season, and signed in January 2015 having previously been with Dunfermline.”

In his one-and-half seasons with the Ton so far, Forbes has 54 starts and six substitute appearances under his belt, scoring six goals and registering 11 direct assists.

He is the only player to have featured in all 44 competitive games for the club so far this term, with 39 starts and five sub outings.