MORTON shot-stopper Jack Hamilton hopes that his penalty shootout heroics against Montrose can propel the team on a glory run all the way to the Challenge Cup final.

The former Scotland international was in fine form at a rain sodden Links Park on Saturday to keep the scores level within 90 minutes, before thwarting Andrew Steeves and Graham Webster from the spot as his side earned a place in the quarter finals of the competition for the first time since 2014.

It sets up a last eight clash with Queen of the South and Hamilton also hopes that Ton can now kickstart their league campaign as well, after making it three games without defeat.

He told the Tele: “This cup has given us a great opportunity for players to come into the team and express themselves.

“It’s good to have gone three games unbeaten and we’ve managed to keep two clean sheets as well, which for a goalkeeper is really pleasing.

“This cup is a chance to go and win something and that’s what you want to do as a footballer – to be successful.

“In a penalty shootout, it’s always very pleasing to come out on top as a goalkeeper because if you save a couple then you’re the hero.

"But full credit has to go to the boys who stepped up to take one as well.

“We’ve now got a quarter final against Queen of the South to look forward to and something to build on going back into the league.”

Hamilton also praised opposite number Aaron Lennox after both 'keepers stole the show with their respective efforts in between the sticks.

He admitted he couldn't believe it when Lennox somehow denied Ton striker Jimmy Knowles with a wonder save midway through the second half.

The keeper also found time to praise Knowles for his response to being denied what would have been his first goal for the club.

Hamilton said: “It was a great save.

“As the move forward was progressing and Tom Allan found Jimmy at the front post, right away I was thinking ‘goal’ but the fact he [Lennox] managed to hold on to it as well is nothing short of brilliant.

“It would’ve been good for Jimmy to get a goal to help boost his confidence, but he didn’t shy away after that.

“He stepped up to hit a penalty first to be fair to him and scored it.

“I think he played really well and that can only be a positive thing for him as he looks to make an impact.”