DAVID Hopkin believes development squad striker Jon Scullion has shown he is capable of claiming a place in Jim Duffy’s starting line-up after netting consecutive hat-tricks.

Diminutive forward Scullion, who stands at 5ft 4in tall, joined the Cappielow club in the summer following his surprise release by St Mirren.

The former Saints youth has made a stunning start to the Development League West season, scoring six goals in the Ton’s first two league fixtures.

He netted all three goals in a 3-0 win at Clyde last week and followed that feat up with another treble against Dumbarton at Murray Park on Monday.

To date, Scullion has made just one substitute appearance for the first-team, coming on for the final 12 minutes of the Petrofac Cup win over Spartans.

He has been an unused sub on seven occasions since then — but Hopkin is in no doubt the 19-year-old will see more involvement if he can maintain his sensational form with the second string.

Hopkin, pictured, told the Tele: “It’s phenomenal. He can score any type of goal: free-kicks, penalties, tap-ins, worldies. His all-round finishing is great.

“He’s small, but he’s strong. And he’s a clever player with two great feet. He’s technically excellent and can strike a ball very well, with accuracy and power.

“I think he was the top scorer with St Mirren’s Under-20s for the last couple of years.

“He’d played against us in bounce games with the kids, and he always caught my eye with his finishing. It was great to be able to bring him in.

“I think someone who scored double hat-tricks has definitely got something. He’s involved in the first-team squad every week.

“If he keeps going, keeps working hard and getting fitter then he’s somebody that’s definitely pushing. You can’t score six goals in two games and not catch the manager’s eye.”