MORTON are considering signing Hull City Under-23s defender Lewis Ritson on loan, the Tele can exclusively reveal.

Ritson, 20, is highly regarded by the Tigers and is currently on trial with the Ton as David Hopkin decides if he wants bring him to Cappielow.

The stopper, who joined Hull at 16, captained their under-23s last season.

He was involved with Nigel Adkins’ matchday squad on multiple occasions in the second half of last term before stating he would grab any first team opportunity with both hands — even if it meant leaving the club temporarily.

Hopkin has previously suggested that the loan market is an attractive option for the club as he looks to add defenders to his squad, with captain Jim McAlister being deployed across the defence in the Betfred Cup group stages.

The Ton lost centre-half Brian McLean in the 4-0 defeat to Motherwell with a groin strain and academy graduate Lewis Strapp was forced off after a heavy challenge with Queen of the South full-back Scott Mercer in the 3-3 draw at the weekend. 

This has left Hopkin with a headache ahead of the league opener away to Ayr United at Somerset Park, with only two central defenders available ahead of the curtain raiser.

The Tele also understands that former Motherwell starlet Jordan Armstrong is back at the club on trial for a second time.