Morton confirmed on Friday night that the 25-year-old, who penned a two-and-a-half year deal on Thursday, is ineligible to feature for the club this term.

The governing body’s rulebook states that Tidser can be registered as a Ton player but is unable to feature in first-team matches until the beginning of the 2015/16 season.

In Tidser’s case, he has already turned out for both Rotherham United and Oldham Athletic, with whom he spent time on loan, before his release at the beginning of the month. In a statement, chairman Douglas Rae said: “We will continue to look at all of the options regarding Michael’s future with the club, and I hope we are able to reach a satisfactory outcome.” And Duffy revealed that Tidser, who attended Saturday’s win over Dunfermline clad in a Ton tracksuit, will continue to train with the club as they search for a solution.

He told the Tele: “There’s a disappointment with the situation, but I’m more disappointed for the boy. I mean, Michael’s in limbo and we’re gutted for him.

“He’s a terrific player, a terrific boy. He came in on Thursday and trained and came in on Friday and trained, and you could see his quality.

“He would add something to us and no doubt given us that wee bit of extra quality, and that’s what you want in a very tight league. Every bit of quality you can get is a bonus.

“You know, it’s an error that hasn’t just happened at Morton; it has happened at a number of clubs and particularly when [the player is coming from] down south and you’re not aware of one or two of the wee intricacies.

“Obviously from that point of view it’s disappointing, but the chairman did everything to try and bring a top class player to the club. Unfortunately, a rule has scuppered that.

“But you can’t question his ambition. He wants Morton to be better and he’s prepared to source good players and help to fund it. All credit to the chairman for that.” When asked if the club would appeal or if the matter is closed, the Ton boss added: “To be honest, that’s not my area.

“Off the top of my head, I don’t know if there are any ways we can find to get him to play. At this moment in time, there isn’t.

“I think Gillian [Donaldson] and Crawford [Rae] are dealing with that, and we’ll wait and see what happens.

“But he’s going to come in and train with us anyway in the chance there’s a miracle somewhere and we can get round it.”