FORMER Morton favourite Chris Millar reckons Michael Doyle will be a perfect fit at Cappielow — and told him so during a drive home from Perth towards the end of the season.

St Johnstone stalwart Millar, who made 215 appearances for the Ton between 2003 and 2008, was a team-mate of Doyle’s at McDiarmid Park last term.
After over five years with Alloa Athletic, the 24-year-old joined the Saints on a short-term contract in February as Tommy Wright sought cover for injured defender Dave MacKay.

Doyle was pleased to go full-time but made just two substitute appearances and was eager to find more regular first-team football.

It was on a journey to and from the Premiership outfit’s player of the year bash that Millar discovered his car-pool pal was considering a move to Morton and told him to go for it.

Speaking exclusively to the Tele, the ex-Ton midfielder said: “Michael joined us in January. He was supposed to be heading to Ireland to go full-time there but got the phone call to come to us.

“He travelled up in the car with myself, John Sutton and Brian Easton, and he’s a great lad. I think he was disappointed he didn’t get the chance to play as much as he would’ve liked. 

“When I heard he was maybe going to Morton I thought it would be a good fit and a good move for him.

“After the last game of the season, Jim Duffy got in contact with him. 

“We were travelling back down from the player of the year awards up in Perth and he was talking to me about it. He mentioned it looked like he was going to Morton, so with me playing there for five years, I can speak highly of the club and the people round about it.

“I told him I thought it would be a really good move for him, that he could do really well there, and he would enjoy his time at the club.

“The fans are passionate about the club and if things are going well they come out in their numbers to support.

“And obviously after finishing fifth in the league this year they’ll be looking to build on that success and kick on again next season.

“I know there’s a wee bit of rebuilding to do with boys who were on loan leaving and new players needing to come in, but I think Michael can definitely add something to the team.”

In Doyle, Millar says Duffy has added a fantastic professional and describes him as an athletic full-back.

The 33-year-old explained: “Michael runs all day, gets up and down, always looks to take the ball and he’s got an end product as well.

“He puts a good delivery in. He’s one of the fittest boys I’ve worked with, and in the right-back or right wing-back role he’s very good, a good athlete and a really good professional.

“Even wee things he did were impressive. After games he would always go out and do runs, or do extra work on his fitness after training as well as spending time in the gym.

“I just think he needs to get  back playing and get a run of games. If he gets a good pre-season under his belt I’m sure he’ll hit the ground running for Morton next year.”

Duffy has put an emphasis on recruiting players who will fit in off the park as well as on it, and Millar expects no issues in that regard.

He said: “In the car John Sutton would never buy the coffees, but Michael would always put his hand in his pocket to get them in!

“He’s a good lad and he’s good craic — he’s not shy so I know when he goes in there he’ll be very bubbly and very open.

“Sometimes when new players come into a dressing room it takes them time to settle in and find their voice, but he was at it right away. 

“I think you need characters like that within a football team.

“I know travelling down the road he was frustrated at the lack of first-team action he got, but he always busted his backside in training. 

“His attitude is spot on. You couldn’t fault him.”