DEREK Gaston is proud that Morton haven’t entered the transfer market for a new goalkeeper — because it shows the faith Jim Duffy has in him.

Gaston’s team-mate Andrew McNeil, inset, departed Cappielow earlier this month to take up a coaching role in China, and the 29-year-old was disappointed to see his pal leave the club.

But he admits he has taken confidence from the fact that the manager has resisted the temptation to bring in a new ‘keeper to replace McNeil.

Gaston told the Tele: “I was quite disappointed when Andy left, because I got on really well with him.

“He was obviously the rival to my position but we were quite good friends and I travelled through to training with him every day.

“I spend a lot more time with the other goalkeepers than the outfield players, so that was disappointing to see him go.

“He helped improve me as a goalkeeper as much as I helped him.

“We complimented each other well and tried to help each other.”

With Gaston now firmly established as clear first choice, he said: “It’s the position you want to be in.

“It’s a compliment when the manager doesn’t see the need to strengthen that area of the pitch, so that’s a bonus.

“But it is really difficult to go into a squad as a goalkeeper and try to dislodge the so-called number one.

“I think a lot of teams usually have a number one who has maybe been there for a number of years.

“And when goalkeepers have been there for a few years I think they’ve sometimes earned it over the years with some good performances.

“Maybe they’re allowed one or two bad games, they don’t tend to get dropped after playing a few poor games.

“But by the same token, nobody is invincible.

“And the manager wouldn’t be slow in letting you know that and taking you out the team.”

Gaston’s current understudy is 20-year-old Jamie McGowan, who has played just a handful of first team games for the Greenock men. 

Ton’s current number one has no intention of letting his position slip but he believes his young understudy has already shown that he has the ability to provide him with a good level of competition.

He said: “If called upon, you can only improve by getting first team games and experience — by being out there and doing it.

“He’s played a couple of first team games when I have been injured in the past, he’s stepped in and done well.”