MORTON boss Jim Duffy today heaped praise on young winger Scott Tiffoney for his performance against St Mirren last Saturday.

Tiffoney was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup and Duffy explained that the counter-attacking game plan his side were going with last weekend required the pace and trickery of a natural wide man.

Duffy was pleased with the 19-year-old’s contribution and hopes he can use the experience of playing in a high-profile fixture like the derby to force his way into the first team picture on a more regular basis.

He told the Tele: “Scott gives us natural width and I think it was good for the player to start the game against St Mirren last weekend. 

“Sometimes you start games that are not maybe as high profile but that type of game was about as high profile a game as we’ll get in this division.

“It was a tough test and I think a good test for him and a good learning curve. 

“If he can understand the game and what’s required to make an impact in those sort of games then he can be a player who can make a more immediate impact rather than perhaps waiting to see if he can develop his potential.

“He’s a young player who thinks he should be playing and who wants to play. And that’s a good thing because you’ve got to believe you’re good enough. 

“Scott does believe he’s good enough, he’s hungry but also patient. His attitude in training has been terrific so all of those elements are really important.

“It probably surprised many people and I think even Scott himself was surprised that he started but you’ve got to be ready. You have to take your chance when it comes up and I felt he handled the match very well.”

Duffy added: “He also handled the other side of the job, which is the tracking back side of it. 

“It’s not natural for him and you don’t get a lot of practice of that at development level. So that’s a part of his game he’s got to work on and he did very well.”