KYLE Thomson says he is excited to start his new adventure with Morton after agreeing a six-month contract.

The American midfielder has impressed manager Ray McKinnon, who has looked to bring the youngster in on a short-term deal, subject to international clearance.

The Chicago native has dual citizenship with the USA and UK, with his father hailing from Rutherglen.

After agreeing terms on his first professional contract, Thomson is hoping to play a part in Morton’s upcoming season.

He told the Tele: “I’m delighted. 

“I started here at the beginning of pre-season, it’s been good, hard work so far.

“My fitness is up and now we’re getting the games in, it’s exciting and I’m looking forward to joining in.

“My dad is originally from Scotland, from near Rutherglen. 

“He moved over about 20 years ago and I’ve got dual 
citizenship.

“Coming over here the tactics and style of football is a little different and it will take me some time to get used to it but I’m excited.

“I want to help the team as much as possible and help get Greenock Morton as many wins as possible.

“I want to get on the pitch as much as possible and do the best I can when my opportunity comes.”

Thomson, who mainly plays as a central defensive midfielder began his football career with Sockers FC academy.

American international stars such as former Roma midfielder Michael Bradley, who has over 140 caps for the United States, and ex-West Ham defender Jonathan Spector also began their football careers at the Chicago academy.

Thomson then attended Loyola University in Chicago on a scholarship, captaining the men’s team for over two-and-a-half years, playing almost every minute of every game.

The midfielder was always keen to move into full-time football after graduating this summer, and trained with the Ton under Jim Duffy for a week during pre-season last year.

Thomson added: “I always knew that the eventual goal when I graduated was to play full-time, and I didn’t know where my opportunities would fall.

“The opportunity came to train here and rather than finishing university and coming in here blind, I wanted to see what I was going to get into, and the standard here is on par for what I’m looking for.

“Someone from Morton contacted someone who represented me and I said ‘Why not?’, I liked my time here and I’m staying locally in Greenock just now.

“I had some options in the States but I figured if there was an option here I wanted to take it.”

Manager McKinnon is excited to bring in the midfielder, but insisted he would be one for the future.

He said: “Kyle’s done really well, he’s young and got a bit about him. He’s got a bit to learn but he’ll bolster the squad, but he’s definitely one that we’re looking for to grow.

“He’s not ready right now but he’s done well and we’re happy to give him a six-month contract.”