JOHN Sutton says the arrival of manager Jonatan Johansson has given extra encouragement to some of his Morton youngsters.

The head of youth development says the youth engagement from new boss Johansson so early in his managerial career has been great to see from his perspective.

The Finn has involved some of the reserves in first team training since his arrival last month and has regularly attended second string fixtures, with Reece Lyon also being involved in the first team matchday squads recently.

Sutton says it’s given the youngsters more motivation to impress in training and in reserve games.

He told the Tele: “Jonatan talks to us a lot and is very interested in the young boys and their progress and it’s terrific from my and our point of view as a squad.

“I know the younger boys have been really impressed with him and it gives them something to strive for, as he’s gone out of his way to take an interest in them and that’s fantastic for them and for us.

“It’s great for Reece and the manager has been looking to get a few more of the younger players involved in first team training.

“It gives them a real motivation to do well and hopefully Reece will be the first of many to be involved.”