MORTON trialist Jamie McDonagh suffered a horrific double leg break on his last visit to Scotland — but is hoping his second stay will produce a far more positive outcome.

The former Sheffield United frontman was on international duty with Northern Ireland Under-19s in August 2013 when he fractured both his tibia and fibula and was left requiring acute surgery.

But he has ventured back north of the border in his quest to find a new full-time club following his release by the Blades and he is aiming to impress Jim Duffy and win a contract at Cappielow.

Speaking exclusively to the Tele, the 20-year-old said: “I started with Portadown and then Linfield. 

“From there Sheffield United paid a fee to sign me.

“It was a dream to move to England, but it was difficult coming over at such a young age and moving away from my family into a whole new environment.

“The first year was about getting used to everything then in the second year I was pushing on and was in around the first-team. 

“But it was in the second year I suffered a double-leg break against Scotland in Scotland in a friendly for Northern Ireland three years ago.

“I think it was in Ayr. It was my first time being called up to the 19s — I was a year younger — and I started in the No.10 role.

“It was about 10 minutes into the game and I went in for a 50-50 challenge and broke my tibia and fibula.

“You are talking a full snap — from midway in the leg it was facing the other way, so it was really bad, horrible. I had to have an operation in Scotland, which left me out for nine months.

“I did a full rehab with the professionals at Sheffield United and got offered a new contract. I tried pushing on again but it was difficult: we had a new manager nearly every year.

“In most cases the gaffer had liked me, but the last gaffer just didn’t think I was going to be in his plans for next year and he made the decision to let me go near the end of last season.

“Soon after that he ended up getting sacked, so there wasn’t much I could have done. He moved on and I moved on, and I’m just keen to get a new team.”

McDonagh joined the Ton for pre-season training at Parklea on Monday and he is intent on making the most of his initial 10-day trial stint.

He added: “After leaving Sheffield United my agent sorted out some trials. 

“He arranged for me to come up to Scotland.

“I joined in with Morton on Monday and it’s been tough, because I’ve been mostly training myself through the summer to get ready for this trial.

“It’s completely different coming in and training with a team you’ve never trained with before and under a different gaffer.

“But I’ve enjoyed it so far and based on training the last few days I’d be happy to sign, but it’s all down to the gaffer’s decision and what his opinion is of me.

“I’ve got to try my hardest but be myself, to play the way I play normally. 

“I’m a striker and I want to impress by scoring goals and getting assists and showing what I can do in training and matches.

“There’s a bounce game on Friday against Dundee. I think the gaffer will want to see me in a game situation, so I will more than likely be playing in that.

“If I’m the gaffer’s type of striker hopefully he’ll offer me something. 

“At the moment I’m just hoping for the best.”