ST Johnstone right-back Michael Doyle has agreed to join Morton as Michael Miller heads out the Cappielow exit door by signing for Livingston, the Tele can exclusively reveal.

Utility man Miller, above inset, who scored a crucial goal against Peterhead in the 2014-15 title decider and made 60 appearances over two seasons, had been offered a contract extension to stay in Greenock.

But the 21-year-old has elected to move on and join League One Livi after being told he would be considered a squad player at the Ton next term.

Jim Duffy, though, has boosted his defensive options by agreeing a one-year contract with 24-year-old former Kilmarnock and Alloa Athletic defender Doyle.

He told the Tele: “I’ve agreed to sign Michael Doyle. He’s on holiday right now but everything is agreed and he’ll join on a one-year contract.

“He’s a right-back and will give us something I felt we were a wee bit short of in there when we had an injury to Conor [Pepper] last year and preferred Lee [Kilday] more central.

“Michael played with Alloa in the Championship and then went to St Johnstone during the season as cover for Dave Mackay. I think the fact he went to a Premiership club says a lot.

“I spoke to Tommy Wright and he was very complimentary. I knew the boy as a player, but as a character and a professional, Tommy couldn’t speak highly enough of him.

“I think he’s the type who will fit in well with us and we’re looking forward to having Michael on board.”

When asked about Miller’s departure, he explained: “With Michael, he went on holiday and we had a wee discussion when he came back and just felt it was in his best interests to move on. He was a terrific boy with a terrific attitude, but was just looking for a little bit more of a commitment, not in the slightest financially but in terms of regular first-team football.

“I felt as if I couldn’t give that to him at this stage, so we agreed to an amicable parting of the ways and we wish him well.

“David Hopkin phoned me regarding Michael and the type of character he was, and I couldn’t recommend him highly enough and Davie was quick to get him snapped up for Livi.”

It leaves forward Stefan McCluskey as the only out-of-contract player left to make a decision on his future.

The likes of Raith Rovers and Queen of the South are understood to be interested in his services, and Duffy says he will be looking for a definitive answer from the 25-year-old in the next 48 hours.

He added: “I’ve not heard back from Stef yet but that will really need to come to a conclusion one way or another in the next couple of days. I know there are other clubs interested and we fully appreciate players have to take time to consider their options.

“But from my point of view, we have to move it forward and we’ll look to make a decision on that in the next 48 hours.”