LEWIS Strapp will stay at Morton as defensive cover over January — but could head out on loan again.

The 19-year-old made nine appearances for Annan during his time with the League Two side in the first half of the season.

The young left-back started the season brightly with Morton, featuring three times in the Betfred Cup games.

But in the last minute of the tie against Stenhousemuir, the Dunoon native broke his toe in a 50/50 tackle, leaving him sidelined for several weeks.

Then-Ton manager Ray McKinnon signed Rory McKeown, meaning when Strapp returned he was well down the pecking order after having to regain his fitness, so he was loaned out to get some much-needed game time.

Morton currently have seven first team defenders on their books, and have had to list youth team players on the bench in recent weeks.

With the transfer window opening this week, manager Jonatan Johansson has expressed his desire to bulk up the defence with some new recruits if he can.

That could leave Strapp in limbo, not knowing where he will be.

Johansson told the Tele: “With Strappy, Annan wanted to keep him but we’re a little bit short so we’ve decided to keep him.

“We’ll make a decision with him later on in the window if he’s going back or he’s staying with us, it’s my decision.”