MORTON manager Jonatan Johansson has vowed to give youth players a chance when he feels they are ready to step up to the first team.

The new Ton boss has kept a close eye on the development team since his appointment last month, taking a more active interest in their progress than previous managers.

He has included a number of the Morton youngsters in first team training several times a week since his arrival at the club.

The reserves have impressed so far this season, taking the scalps of Premiership reserve sides such as Celtic and Dundee, with their only defeat coming against Reserve League and cup winners Hibs.

Johansson believes age should be no barrier at Cappielow and says if the youngsters continue to shine for the second string they will get an opportunity in the first team.

He told the Tele: “One of the big things since I came in here was to look at the reserves and I’ve seen a couple of their games now and Reece [Lyon], among a couple of the other ones has really impressed me.

“I think you should be rewarded for what you do on the pitch, it doesn’t matter about your age or your name, if you do well in the reserves I have no hesitation about putting people on.

“If you’re good enough for the first team you’ll be considered. That’s something I 100 per cent believe in, the physical and game management side need to be right and that’s something we’ll work on.”

One of those to reap the rewards of the new manager’s ideology is Lyon.

The 18-year-old came off the bench against Ayr United for his league debut, one of the few positives from the heavy defeat to the Honest Men.

Lyon was included in the matchday squad against Inverness Caley Thistle on Saturday.

While the midfielder has impressed the Ton boss, he insists he would not just throw any of the reserves into first team action, and says they must be ready to make the step up.

Johansson added: “Reece is one of a few of the reserves that have been training more with the first team and going forward if they do well they will stay and train with us mostly. 

“Reece is doing really well, he did really well against Celtic in the reserves and is somebody I had no hesitation putting him on.

“You have to see what they can bring into the first team, it’s a different atmosphere in the reserves and it’s a different intensity.

“Some teams try to play more in the reserves and it’s not always as direct and physical and you have to take that into consideration.

“But the general positive attitude and fight they’ve had in the reserves has been really good to see, and that was one of the main reasons Reece has been with us.”