MORTON utility man Jamie McDonagh says the team’s strong showing against Aberdeen proves that they can cut it at the top level.

Some experts had Ton written off as no-hopers before Saturday’s League Cup semi-final at Hampden but the Greenock men silenced the doubters by going toe-to-toe with the Dons until the crucial 70th-minute goal which gave the Premiership side the breakthrough.

McDonagh was proud to be part of the Ton team which performed so well on the big stage and he feels their display demonstrates that there is no big gulf between them and most top flight clubs.

The former Sheffield United man put in a solid shift on the right-hand side of midfield, running himself into the ground before being substituted late on, and was pleased to help prove some people wrong.

He told the Tele: “I think everyone probably wrote us off before the game and thought Aberdeen were going to win easily. 

“But in our minds we were never going to give up the game. From people looking from the outside and thinking Morton aren’t as good as Aberdeen — I think it shows there’s not that much of a gap between us. I thought we did very well.

“We proved we are capable of putting in a performance against anyone.

“It’s disappointing in the end to lose — but it was good to be there.”

McDonagh pinpointed the second half period where his side were on top as a key moment in the match — and believes if Ton had found a goal at that point then the outcome could have been so different.

He said: “I thought we did very well in the first half and had a good period in the second half when I thought we could have got a goal.

“We’re all a bit disappointed but obviously Aberdeen are a great side and it was a great occasion to come to Hampden and play the way we did.

“The gaffer came into the changing rooms after the game and said that every player on the pitch gave it everything and he’s proud of us all.

“There’s nothing more that we could have done, it just happens when you come up against better teams like Aberdeen.”

The 20-year-old also consoled Jai Quitongo over the gilt-edged chance he missed just before half-time when the game was still goalless.

McDonagh was convinced his team-mate was going to score as he burst through, but the striker’s effort was well saved by Dons ‘keeper Joe Lewis.

The Northern Irishman says he’s sure Quitongo won’t dwell on the disappointment, especially after putting in such a good overall display, and will be back amongst the goals soon.

He said: “Jai in the first half went through and he probably should have scored.

“Whenever you see him going through on goal like that, I think most of the lads expect him to score because he’s been doing so well lately.

“But sometimes it doesn’t work out for you, and on Saturday it just didn’t work out for him.

“I’m sure he’ll keep going in the next couple of games.”