CAPPIELOW chief Douglas Rae has hinted that defender Darren Cole will still be a Morton player next season.

Centre-half Cole has been a standout since joining the club, shining at the heart of Kenny Shiels’ back four despite his side’s struggles at the bottom of the Championship.

The 22-year-old, who made his Rangers debut in a Champions League tie against Bursaspor in 2010, was signed by Shiels back in December on a contract which runs until the end of the season.

Although he would not confirm whether there was an agreement in place or if there had been negotiations with Cole, Ton owner Mr Rae was confident he would still be at Cappielow next term.

He told the Tele: “Darren Cole was rather different [from the club’s other winter transfer window signings] because he had fallen out with Rangers.

“There was a disagreement and with the result we got him.

“Darren’s been excellent and is one for the future. And we’ll certainly be retaining him. “At present he is keen to be at Cappielow.” When asked if he or manager Shiels had sat down with the defender to discuss signing a new deal, the Golden Casket owner simply said: “I think you can take it that he will be at Morton next season.” Cole’s central defensive partner Stuart Findlay has also impressed following his loan move from parent club Celtic.

The 18-year-old, who is captain of the Parkhead club’s Under-20 side and a Scotland Under-21s regular, has made 10 starts in his time at Cappielow.

In interviews with the Tele, the defender has told how much he is enjoying his spell in Greenock as well as explaining the way in which regular first-team football has aided his development.

When asked if there would be an opportunity to renew his loan, Shiels said: “That will be Celtic’s decision. I think it’s too early to make a presumption on it and I don’t want to jump the gun.”