Iredale turned down Morton's Championship rivals for Carlisle move

The left-back turned down interest from Firhill to agree to join Steven Pressley’s side on a one-year deal this week.

Iredale says he considered staying at Cappielow — but he feels playing in England’s fourth tier is too good an opportunity to turn down.

He told the Tele: “I know that Morton did want to offer me a deal, but the official offer didn’t come through because the club didn’t know the budgets and wanted to wait and see where they would be.

“I knew there was interest but there was nothing official there.

“I had one offer from a Scottish Championship team, but it was no-brainer for me to go to England and get my foot in the door down there.

“It was only over a week ago I found out about the interest, it all happened so quickly. I’ve wanted to play in England since I could remember, so when this opportunity came up I felt it was a really good chance for me.”

The Greenock-born Australian was first signed by Jim Duffy in 2017, and after a loan spell at Queen’s Park began to become a regular towards the end of the season, and was established this year under Jonatan Johansson.

The 23-year-old made 50 appearances for the Ton in all, and said his goal against Dundee United last season — which was nominated for PFA Scotland Goal of the Season — was a highlight.

Iredale thanked Morton for his two years at the club after sealing a move to Brunton Park.

He said: “I loved my time at Morton, they, gave me my first chance to play professional football in a professional environment.

“I got around 75 professional games under my belt in Scotland and that was really important for me in developing and learning as much as possible.

“Every coach I had there taught me something new, so I loved my time at Morton.

“My highlight has got to be the goal against Dundee United up there and the Dumbarton 94th-minute winner was good.

“Scoring those two goals and playing at Parkhead as well was massive.”