FORMER Dundee United defender Gavin Gunning is training with Morton at Parklea in a bid to earn a contract at Cappielow.

Gunning is available after exiting Tannadice just before the end of last season, and Ton boss Jim Duffy has today confirmed he is looking at the stopper as he tries to bolster his currently stretched defensive options.

Ricki Lamie was forced off against Ayr United on Saturday due to injury while Mark Russell is suspended after being red carded during the Somerset Park clash.

Conor Pepper is already out injured and now captain Lee Kilday is nursing a knock which could leave Ton looking threadbare at the back.

Duffy insists Gunning is not on trial — because he knows plenty about the defender’s abilities already.

The Ton boss says he simply wants to assess the Irishman’s fitness levels with a view towards signing him on a short-term contract.

Duffy told the Tele: “He [Gunning] is a player that I think can give us a bit of experience, he’s a good player.

“It’s a case of just looking at him at this moment in time — whether he’s ready to come in and play.

“He’ll come in and train a couple of days and we’ll take it from there.

“If he’s okay and there’s nothing significant, hopefully we’ll get him on board and if he’s on board, he’ll be available for Saturday.

“He’s not on trial, we’re just assessing his level of fitness and what condition he’s in. I’ve seen him umpteen times over the last few years at Motherwell and Dundee United.

“With Ricki being injured and Mark Russell being suspended, we’re really stretched at the back, so it was important to try and find an opportunity to bring in a good player.

“So hopefully Gavin can fill that void.”

Duffy says that if Gunning does agree a deal then it will take a period of time before he is match fit again and fully up to speed - but believes he could be a big asset to the squad.

The manager said: “He’s left-sided and brings a bit of balance.

“He reads the game well and is a good user of the ball and a strong player - so he gives you a lot of qualities.

“But we fully understand that if you’ve not played a lot of football it’s not quite as easy just to walk in.

“There’s the whole dynamics of the game, the tempo and the intensity.

“Every game in the Championship is fought tooth and nail from the first whistle to the last so it’s not easy to come in once the season is under way.

“It’s about whether he can contribute for a significant part of the season.”