EUPHORIC Morton ace Jai Quitongo has told how Saturday saw him fulfil his childhood dream of one day emulating dad Jose by hearing his team’s supporters sing his name.

The 18-year-old would sit in the stands as a kid and watch in wonder as fans of the likes of Hearts, Hamilton Accies, St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Alloa Athletic hailed his father.

It was his turn to receive the acclaim at the weekend after scoring and providing an assist in his first senior start to fire the Ton to a 2-0 win over Killie at Rugby Park.

The infectious teenager was substituted to a standing ovation and left the field with a huge smile spread across his face as the travelling support chanted in tribute.

Speaking exclusively to the Tele, Quitongo beamed: “This is the stuff I’ve dreamed of as a wee boy. Scoring a goal and listening to the fans shouting my name … I’m just buzzing.

“I went to games when I was younger watching my dad and used to hear them shouting for him, so it was a dream come true to experience that.

“Honestly, I can’t believe it and don’t know how to describe it. It can’t get any better scoring away at a Premiership team in a stadium like this on your first start.
“I was a bit nervous before the game because the gaffer told me on Friday that I was starting, but I’m thankful he believed in me and trusted me enough to go and do well.” Quitongo celebrated his strike in style, performing an acrobatic cartwheel and somersault combination that he says has been his trademark since he was a kid.
He explained: “I’m not sure if the gaffer was happy with the way I celebrated — you’d have to ask him that!
“It’s something I’ve always done since I was wee and something I’ve always wanted to do so much for the first team because it meant I would have scored.”
The goal was profitable for the teenager’s pals after they put a bet on him to score but costly for team-mate Thomas O’Ware.
Utility man O’Ware had teased Quitongo that he wouldn’t score a goal all season and wagered a slap-up meal at a restaurant of the other’s choosing.

And the former Hamilton and Aberdeen kid has promised to make his Cappielow colleague pay by selecting the most expensive establishment in Glasgow.

He laughed: “My pals were here and they said they thought I would score and put bets on me, and it was extra special because I had a bet with Tam O’Ware.

“He said I wouldn’t score all season, and I said I would. 

“He’s taking me to any restaurant I want — so I’m going to find out the dearest place and go there and order the dearest food!”

Quitongo has watched as development squad pals such as Lewis Strapp, Scott Tiffoney and Dylan Stevenson have been handed chances this season and says their success was an inspiration to him.

He added: “It’s been great seeing my pals starting and doing well. 

“It’s been good for them and it just shows we are all getting a chance. 

“It’s been great to get that chance and you just have to try and take it when you get it.”