MORTON midfielder Frank Ross says his time at the club has been an ‘eye-opener’.

The Aberdeen loanee joined the Ton back in January and has played 17 times, scoring twice and provided three assists so far.

He will play his last game for the side on Saturday against Inverness Caley Thistle before returning to the Granite City, where he hopes to break into the Dons’ first team fold next year.

While the 20-year-old has enjoyed his time at the Greenock side, he said it’s been a huge learning curve in his first time out on loan.

He told the Tele: “It’s been an eye opener. I’ve really enjoyed it, the training’s really tough and physical.

“It’s lots of little things like there’s no canteen, no gym; it spurs you on to get to the top.

“I’ve really enjoyed Morton. I’ve loved playing every week, it’s a great group of boys, a good manager and I feel like I’ve learned a lot.”

While predominantly playing as a centre midfielder in his time up in Aberdeen, he’s been utilised primarily as a winger by Morton manager Jim Duffy.

And he’s hoping that puts him in good stead next year at the Premiership side.

He said: “My position is centre-mid but I’ve been playing as a winger at Morton. It’s good for learning and being versatile, and it’s good for any team.

“I’m learning about playing as a winger and enjoying the challenge. Next year I hope I’m a regular in the Aberdeen first-team, and from there who knows what can happen.”

Ross began as a regular starter during his time at Cappielow, but in recent weeks found himself in and out of the first 11.

And after providing the assist for Michael Doyle’s goal on Saturday against St Mirren, he’s hoping that, and his overall performance in the game, can mean he’s involved in the game against the Caley Jags.

Ross said: “You want to play every game as a player, but it’s up to the manager at the end of the day, and there were boys playing well ahead of me.

“I thought I played well at the weekend there against St Mirren, so hopefully I can play a part on Saturday.”

But up first for the youngster is a Scottish Youth Cup Final tonight against Hibernian at Hampden Park for the Dons under-20s.

He added: “It’s my last year of the under-20s, so hopefully I can win the cup, and I’m looking forward to the game on Saturday against Caley and my last game for Morton.”