JIM Duffy says he couldn’t deny Andy McNeil the opportunity of a lifetime to go and work as a coach in China — and insists Morton don’t necessarily need to bring in a replacement goalkeeper after his exit.

McNeil has departed Cappielow for Chinese Super League club Guangzhou R&F, and Duffy felt it was too good an opportunity for the custodian to turn down.

The ex-Hibernian and Livingston keeper wanted to keep the news under wraps in order to allow himself the chance to remain involved in league action for Ton until everything was sorted out.

After the announcement yesterday of McNeil’s next adventure, boss Duffy was quick to praise the stopper’s professionalism during his time in Greenock.

He told the Tele: “We’ve known about it for a few weeks, so it’s not something that’s just appeared in the last day or so.

“We didn’t announce it because Andy is a terrific professional. 

“He wanted to continue being involved and he played last week in the Queen of the South game.

“He wanted to keep things as normal as possible and so did we. 

“All we can say is that he’s been an outstanding professional for us, his record for Morton was exceptional in the games he played.

“We wish him well, it’s a fantastic opportunity for him which we felt we couldn’t deny him.”

Duffy doesn’t believe Ton are in urgent need of a replacement just yet, because Derek Gaston remains the number one pick between the sticks.

While the ex-Hibs manager admits he has put some feelers out, the emergence of young talent Jamie McGowan, pictured, leaves him with the confidence that Ton are well-equipped in the goalkeeping department.

He added: “It’s difficult because Derek Gaston is our number one goalkeeper, there’s no question about that. 

“So anyone who does come in is initially going to have to come in as a back-up goalkeeper.

“Obviously getting a goalkeeper to come in as a number one is easier, but to get them in and say ‘listen, your job is to go and put pressure on Gats’ isn’t quite as simple.

“We’ll have a think about it, we’ve had a few weeks and have made one or two enquiries. 

“But young Jamie McGowan has been there and has been in and around the first team on a number of occasions. And if called upon, I’m sure he’s ready for it.”