OUT of favour frontman Jon Scullion hopes his scintillating form for Morton’s under-20s can catapult him into the top team.

Scullion hit a brilliant hat-trick for the Ton teens against Ayr United’s academy side at Cappielow on Tuesday night, sending the home side to the summit of the Development League West.

Now he hopes that his treble can persuade boss Jim Duffy to give him a go in the first team.

The 21-year-old told the Tele: “It’s always important for the boys to get a result but you do yourself no harm pushing for a place in the first team when you get goals, especially three.

“Ayr are a good team in the 20s league who are always competitive.

“But it’s nice to score a hat-trick, no matter what game it’s in and who it comes against.

“I was playing just in behind Thomas Orr but naturally we do play 4-4-2.

“It changes around though because I can come in with Tam playing just that little bit higher than me.

“It doesn’t do you any harm at all when you’re scoring goals.

“I’m just always looking to try and impress the gaffer as much as possible and keep knocking on his door for the first team, to get a start or get in his 
plans.”

Scullion, who arrived at Cappielow in 2014, signed a new deal in the summer and he is determined to make the most of his chance by forcing his way into Duffy’s thoughts.

He believes his manager has already shown he will reward young players who do well by giving them a chance in the Championship, following the breakthroughs made by the likes of Jai Quitongo, below, and Scott Tiffoney.

He said: “The gaffer, ever since he’s been at Morton, has always had a young squad.

“He trusts the young boys and it shows this year with a lot of them coming through again and doing themselves justice.

“He always wants to try and play young boys and help them come through.”

The ex-St Mirren kid also praised under-20s boss Andy Millen and reckons the coach’s influence has had a hugely positive effect on him and his younger colleagues.

He said: “Andy is a brilliant guy.

“I’ve known him since my time at St Mirren and I’ve always got on very well with him.

“He’s a brilliant coach, but an even better guy.

“He’s helped a lot.”