MORTON youngster Ben Eardley admits he was surprised to make his first-team debut for the Ton last month — as he was sat at home just 90 minutes before kick-off.

The Ton were hit with injuries towards the end of the season, and with a number of players failing the fitness test right before kick-off, the midfielder received the unexpected phone call just an hour and a half before the start of the tie and went straight onto the bench.

The 18-year-old, who signed a new one-year development contract with the club last week, came on for the final few minutes against Inverness Caley Thistle in the last match of the season.

Eardley spent time out on loan with Greenock Juniors earlier in the season, and was also a key part of the under-20s squad which went on to win the Development League West.
But he revealed nothing came close to making his first-team debut, and Eardley admitted he was nervous when he got the call to go and warm up.

He told the Tele: “I never actually expected to be in the squad, and I didn’t get a phone call until the Saturday.

“It was about 1.30pm I got a call, because the first team players were doing a warm-up to see if they were match fit, and obviously some failed it.

“I only stay five or 10 minutes up the road, and I guess that always helps.

“It was Andy Bryan [kit manager] who phoned me, and he asked me if I had my kit ready and I went down, and with 10 minutes to go in the game Jim Duffy said to me go and warm up.

“I was nervous as anything but it was good to get a wee run out. 

“I know we lost 3-0 but making my debut meant a lot to me.”