MORTON boss Jim Duffy reckons the signing of Inverness Caley Thistle striker John Baird will add goals and graft to his promotion play-off chasers.

Duffy secured the services of the experienced frontman yesterday in an emergency loan deal until the end of the season.

Baird won’t feature against his parent club in Inverness today, but Morton hope to complete the deal at the start of next week.

Baird has plied his trade with several Scottish clubs during a well-travelled career including Clyde, St Mirren, Montrose, Brechin City, Airdrie, Raith Rovers, Dundee, Partick Thistle, Queen of the South and Falkirk.

He signed for Caley Thistle last summer and he’s scored four times for the Highlanders.

And Ton boss Duffy is delighted to have the experienced forward on board.

He told Tele Sport: “John’s coming in and we’ve agreed with Inverness to bring him in on an emergency loan. 

“We’re just waiting on the paperwork being completed.

“I had him up at Brechin many years ago and I think he’s a boy that clubs always like to have in their team because he’s got a real enthusiasm for the game.

”He’s got a lot of energy and he knows the division.

“Obviously he was at Falkirk the last couple of years and this year at Inverness as well.

“He can score goals and he works very hard for the team — and I think he’ll suit the way we play.”

With injuries to several first team forwards such as Robert Thomson and Jai Quitongo, Duffy was compelled to act in a bid to bolster his striking options.

He said: “We’re delighted to have him on board and, with the injuries we’ve got, he’s an important player to bring in and it was an important area to try to strengthen.

“It was difficult, though, because we’d been looking around for a good number of weeks, if not months, but we’re absolutely delighted to get him.”

Although he will sit out Saturday’s fixture at the Caledonian Stadium, Baird could make his debut in Tuesday night’s league match at home to Livingston.

Meanwhile, Luca Gasparotto is back with the Morton squad after being rushed to hospital on Tuesday night.

The Ton star experienced breathing difficulties after taking a knock during his side’s 1-0 win over Dumbarton.

However, boss Duffy revealed the 22-year-old is thankfully on the mend.

He said: “He’s on the road to recovery. Thankfully there was no damage to his ribs, it was a problem with his intercostal muscle, which is just underneath the ribs.

“It’s like being hit in boxing, it basically knocks the stuffing out of you. He couldn’t breathe at the time. He’s still a bit sore and tender but we’ll see how it settles down.

“I’d put him in the doubtful category at the moment.”

Goalkeeper Derek Gaston, who missed Tuesday’s win because of a virus, is winning his fitness battle.

Duffy added: “Derek’s had a viral thing for two or three days, it just floored him but he’s back training and feels a lot better.”