FOUAD Bachirou walked out of Morton last season in search of a new challenge -but the Frenchman is happy to have found his way back to Cappielow after wandering in the football wilderness.

The cultured midfielder agreed a new deal this month to re-ignite his relationship with Ton despite intending to bring a two-year stint with the club to an end in May.

Bachirou - affectionately known as Fred - had returned to France this summer and planned to make the step up to a higher level after impressing in the First Division.

However, despite interest in his talents, such a move never materialised and Bachirou, 22, turned down an approach from league rivals Hamilton to rejoin Ton.

In his first full interview since returning to Cappielow, Bachirou told the Tele: "Am I surprised to be back?

"Yes, and not because I spoke to the gaffer and said I would like to move on and see if I had an opportunity to try and play at a higher level.

"I had a few opportunities but they never really worked out.

"So the gaffer let me know at the end of the season if I wanted to come back the door was open for me.

"I had a chat with him. I could have stayed in France, but it is not my goal to stay there, I wanted to play in another country. I had to choose between back here and signing for Hamilton. Obviously I know the club and I know everybody here so decided to come back."

Bachirou has shown his chief talents - excellent ball retention and shrewd passing - have not been dulled, despite missing out on a pre-season as he searched for a club.

And while he concedes he is not yet back to his peak, the amiable Frenchman has been content with his initial performances.

He said: "I've just come back [to action] and I didn't do a pre-season. I haven't been doing much training in three months but I am happy with my comeback so far.

"I did not do a pre-season at all - I have just been training by myself over the summer in France, but not a proper training."