GARY Oliver has heaped praise on team-mate Jamie McDonagh after the 20-year-old Northern Irishman swapped from right-back to striker early on during Saturday’s clash with Hibernian.
Oliver started the game alongside Kudus Oyenuga – but the Englishman had to be subbed on 15 minutes after suffering a knock that he couldn’t shake off.
Lee Kilday replaced the forward and slotted in at right-back, allowing McDonagh to see out the match in a more familiar attacking role.
Oliver reckons McDonagh did a brilliant job up-top, even though he’s been plying his trade as a defender recently.
Oliver said: “Jamie is a striker by trade and he came to Morton as a forward. But I think someone got injured in a game and he went to right-back and did really well. The gaffer has kept him there and he’s happy with that.
“He did really well up front on Saturday. He’s quick and he also has most attributes for a right-back. I think I’m the only one who hasn’t been injured yet, touch wood.
“But all the boys have done well, no matter who has been up top, and hopefully we can carry on doing well.”
Oliver insists he was delighted to net against Hibs in the 1-1 draw at Cappielow, and he says he enjoyed testing himself against some of the league’s best defenders.
He said: “It was a good battle.
“It’s good to play against these guys because they’re probably Premiership quality players as well.
“It’s good to judge yourself where they’re at – and I don’t think I did myself any harm in that regard.”