WHILE Ray McKinnon’s departure affected the whole Morton squad, it had the biggest impact on Rory McKeown.

The left-back signed with the Cappielow outfit last month, after playing for McKinnon and coach Darren Taylor previously at Raith Rovers.

After a switch down south, he had bought a house in Liverpool, then uprooted his life for another year to sign with the Greenock side to play under his former boss.

But McKinnon left just several weeks into his time at Morton, and the full-back says now little can surprise him in the footballing industry.

He told the Tele: “Ray was a big contributing factor for me moving up here to be honest with you. Him and Darren as well, we have a good relationship, I spoke to Darren constantly when we were down south.

“He was the one who messaged me asking if I fancied a return to full-time football and to get me back into the shop window. I was looking forward to it.

“I came back up and there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I wanted to play under them. I haven’t heard from Ray since he left, but at the end of the day he’s made his decision and good luck to him.”

While it has impacted the former Northern Irish under-21 international, he says players would likely do the same if more money was offered their way.

He added: “It’s football, nothing surprises you in this business.

“If he felt there was a better opportunity — at the same time if I was a player and someone offered me, I don’t know the ins and outs of the deals, but if they offered me more money then you would probably would go wouldn’t you?

“We wish them well, hopefully they do well because I have a lot of respect for Ray and Darren.

“I wouldn’t say it damaged the relationship between us, life is too short to hold grudges. There’s no point in getting annoyed at it, I thank them for the opportunity for getting me back into full-time football, he’s given me that opportunity.

“My contract is here and I’m going to crack on and have as good a season as I can.”

The full-back has started the three league games since joining as left-back, playing 90 minutes in each of them, and he’s hoping to continue that run with new manager Jonatan Johansson.

McKeown used to watch the Finnish striker during his days with Charlton Athletic in the English Premier League, and says the Ton manager has impressed him so far.

The 25-year-old said: “The guy has had an unbelievable career, I remember watching him on TV back in the day, and you have automatic respect for him.

“I used to love watching him at Charlton when they were in the Premiership, he was always a name that stuck out.

“He’s been good, he’s made it clear what he wants and the style of play he wants to bring and the boys have started well and the content has been good.

“He seems to have a nice way about him. 

“He’s very calm when he’s talking, and the way he delivers is good and it’s the Scandinavian way about him that he’s very relaxed and he’s got a good demeanour about him.”