DELIGHTED Derek Anderson says that the likes of Mark Russell, Cameron O’Neil, Thomas Orr and Dylan Stevenson can be an inspiration to every player in the club’s academy.

All four are graduates of the Morton youth system and have made competitive first-team appearances in the opening month of the current campaign.

Left-mid Mark Russell has established himself as a first-team regular while 17-year-old O’Neil marked his debut by scoring Ton’s first goal of the season in the Petrofac Cup win over Spartans.

Stevenson and Orr, meanwhile, are making incredible progress, featuring as substitutes despite having only just stepped up from the Under-17s at the end of last season.

And head of youth Anderson believes the fact that they are already seeing action shows there is a clear pathway to Jim Duffy’s top-team and gives his kids something tangible to aim for.

He said: “It’s really positive. That’s us just starting our third season and we’ve already seen the boys coming through.

“We’re giving Hoppy [David Hopkin] rough diamonds and he’s polishing them up and getting them ready for the first-team.

“It’s working well, and if you’d said to me when I was starting out at Morton that we would have that many who had played in the first-team, I would’ve said: ‘Very good. It’ll take longer than that’.

“But we had Craig Knight, Aidan Ferris, Jordan Cairnie and Mark Russell make their debuts last season and we’ve already had a few in this season — and long may it continue.

“Thomas Orr came on as a sub on Saturday and scored, although it was ruled out, and had another opportunity to score again. Right place at the right time, that’s big Tam for you.

“He scored a barrow load of goals for the Under-17s last season, so I’m not surprised that he’s been involved with the first-team. But I would say he’s probably ahead of schedule.

“Cammy O’Neil scored the winner on his debut and I think he’s someone bigger teams will be looking at in the future. Rangers were always keen on him.

“All the kids in the academy will look to these players and know that they’ve come through with us.

“It shows that this is a club that you will get an opportunity at, and I’m sure their mums and their dads will be telling them that as well. It can happen — because it is happening.

“It’s up to the boys to keep their head down, keep working away and hopefully they’ll get there in the future.” HIGHLIGHTS THIS year’s Under-17 have the firepower to blow away the opposition, according to lead coach Derek Allan.

Scott Tiffoney and Scott Miller shared five goals between them in last weekend’s opening league fixture against Queen’s Park.

And former centre-half Allan believes theirs is a strike pairing that will give defenders nightmares this term.

He told the Tele: “We have two forwards there who I believe will go on and have good careers in the game. Five out of our seven goals on Sunday came from those two.

“Scott Tiffoney has been training full-time for six weeks and looks a real threat because of that fitness level he now has.

“What a talent he is. He and Scott Miller, who scored four goals, are a real handful for any defence.

“The two Scott’s have a real chance if they keep improving and listening and doing the right things and looking after themselves. The future is most certainly bright in forward areas!” CALLUM Robb’s Under-14s were forced to cancel their opening fixture after an injury crisis left them missing NINE players.

And lead coach Robb has praised academy physio Susan Wilson for her efforts to help his depleted squad back to full fitness.

He said: “Our game at Queen’s Park was off at the weekend because we had nine players out injured.

“Thanks to Susan, we have a few players back this week. It may still be another couple of weeks for two or three of the boys.

“But they have a plan and know what they need to be doing as far as rehab is concerned in terms of cardio in the pool or on a bike.

“It’s almost like we are starting pre-season this week, so the boys will need to work hard as they’ll be coming up against teams who are probably a month ahead of us in terms of fitness and sharpness.” ROSS Gourdie reckons the Morton youth academy’s youngest age group have already developed a keen understanding and camaraderie.

Each year, the Under-11 squad must be replenished by recruiting the cream of local talent at boys’ club level.

And 11s boss Gourdie, who also doubles up as head of the junior academy, has been delighted with the way they have integrated.

He told the Tele: “Our under-11s played their first official SFA Club Academy Scotland fixture against Clyde at the Battery Park last Saturday.

“The Morton boys have only been together since mid-July but they are already showing signs that they have a great team spirit, an excellent work ethic and a never-say-die attitude.

“They came up against a well-organised and physical Clyde team, but after a few initial errors caused by nerves, they started to dictate the game and passed the ball well.

“Several excellent goals were scored when we kept possession, built the play from the back and made great use of the width.” FIXTURES Saturday 23 August: Under-11s v Hamilton Accies (a) 12pm, Under-12s v Hamilton Accies (a) 10am.

Sunday 24 August: Under-13s v Annan Athletic (h) 2pm, Parklea, Under-14s v Match postponed, Under-15s v Annan Athletic (h) 2pm, Parklea, Under-17s v Annan Athletic (a) 2pm.