A TELE reporter will swap his notepad for a joypad to help raise money alongside Morton stars for a local charity.

Sports writer Christopher Dodds will square off online against a number of the Ton's first team squad in a FIFA 20 challenge to help Compassionate Inverclyde's work combating coronavirus.

The Greenock Telegraph v Greenock Morton crowdfunder kicked off last night as our man took on Reghan Tumilty, Alexander Easdale, Reece Lyon, Lewis Strapp and Cameron Salkeld on the popular Xbox One game.

Played over a league format, each of the entrants played each other and the top two will compete for bragging rights in a final tonight which the lads hope to broadcast on Twitch or Mixer for fans to enjoy.

Chris explained: "The players are furloughed right now so everyone has a bit of spare time on their hands. They were all keen to step up and volunteer to help and we thought this would be a nice thing to do for the community.

"We are hoping that the full Morton support will come together and raise money for this great local cause.

"Chris McKillop, who is Port Glasgow Juniors’ commercial manager, made me aware of the work that Compassionate Inverclyde is doing and in turn I wanted to do something for them.

"The charity is helping the most vulnerable locally during the COVID-19 crisis, providing them with vital help when they leave hospital.

"I had a chat with Reece, Lewis, Reghan, Zander and Cameron and they all wanted to get involved, so we came up with the idea of this FIFA fundraiser. We all thought it would be a bit of fun but also for a great cause.

"I'd like to thank the club for supporting the initiative and thank the players for voluntarily agreeing to do this.

"All donations will be fully tracked and audited when handed over."

Chris says he hopes the Morton supporters get behind the effort.

He added: "The fans have been great with me and are always supportive of the paper when I chat to them in person or on my social media channels. Hopefully they will help us raise some much-needed cash for this terrific charity.

"There will be a forfeit for whoever picks up the wooden spoon and bragging rights for whoever takes the title. All the boys are quietly confident though, so it will be interesting to see who can play off the field as well as on it!"

To donate, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/tele-morton-covid-response?tk=2214d73b1d9aee6e0dedee1cd935e5eba7fd36d2