JACK Iredale is delighted to put pen to paper on a contract at Morton after leaving Australia to return to his ‘hometown’ club.

Morton’s newest signing, 21-year-old Iredale was born in Greenock but moved to Australia as a child before growing up to star for Perth Glory and the national team at under-17s level.

And the defender has revealed how excited he is to join up with Ton after making the bold decision to travel half way around the world to make it as a professional footballer.

He told the Tele: “I was at one of the pro clubs in Australia but nothing was forthcoming and I knew I wanted to be a professional footballer, so I knew I had to get up and leave 
home.

“To go overseas I wanted to go somewhere that I’d be able to settle in comfortably and to play, so being born here, my mum has loads of family and friends here, so it worked out.

“I was really lucky to get something with Morton and there were a few people happy to help me out to get over here, so it was one opportunity that snowballed from there.

“Every aspiring footballer grows up aspiring to play in Europe and I was no different, I’ve always wanted to play there. Growing up in Australia I knew there was always going to be a time where I’d have to leave. 

“At 16-years-old I was offered a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport which was a four-hour flight away from home.

“So I lived away from home for around three years, that sort of helped me with this situation, obviously there’s a big difference between a 22-hour flight and a four-hour flight, but being away from family for that period of time definitely allowed me to look after myself and prepare me for this.”

He added: “I was born in Inverclyde hospital and we lived right across the Waterfront. 

“I left when I was a year old so I don’t remember much, but we came back when I was eight. 

“I don’t remember much about it sadly and I’ve not been back for 13 years. 

“But it’s like signing for my hometown club.

“It’s strange how things work out like this. 

“A lot of family friends are Morton supporters from Greenock and Gourock, so they have been passing their well wishes on.”

Iredale has been on trial at Cappielow for several weeks and has starred for Ton in friendlies and bounce games, including fixtures against Turriff United, Largs Thistle and Dunoon Amateurs.

And after international clearance went through on Thursday morning, the defender insists he’s ready to play a part in today's clash with Edinburgh City if called upon by boss Jim Duffy.

He said: “It’s been a few weeks but it’s definitely a weight off my shoulders and I’d love to be involved at the weekend. 

“I’ve been told I’m free to play this weekend, I know I had to wait for international clearance and things like that but from what I’ve been told, it’s all ready to go.

“Obviously with a few of the boys out with injuries, hopefully I will be involved at the weekend, and it would be great getting a run-out at home in front of the home supporters.”