BILLY King has told how manager David Hopkin played a big part in bringing him to Cappielow after the winger checked into Morton on a short-term contract.

King had been training with Falkirk under ex-Ton gaffer Ray McKinnon, but the former Hearts prospect says the lure of playing under Hopkin in the Championship made the choice a ‘no-brainer’ as he looks to get back to his best.

The 25-year-old hopes that he can use the opportunity to get back to full fitness and fire Morton as high up the table as possible.

He told the Tele: “The gaffer has a good track record from his time at Livingston and getting them promoted to the Premiership.

“Other players I spoke to before I signed told me that he was a great gaffer. The other thing that attracted me to Morton was Championship football – so with that and the boss it really made it an easy decision.

“The gaffer gave off a really good vibe and sold the club to me really well.

“It’s a tight knit squad with a lot of young boys who have massive potential, so I’m looking forward to getting going.

“I’ve played in the Championship for most of my career, and it’s a good platform for me to get back to what I know is my best form.”

King hopes that plying his trade at Cappielow can help him put his injury frustrations behind him.

King says this is a big year for him after sitting in the stands for much of last season.

He added: “I’ve not really played a lot in the last 12 months because I had an injury at the start of last season which disrupted my year at Dundee United. I then went on loan to Gillingham where it didn’t really work out, so what I’m looking for really is to get back playing again.

“Hopefully I can get that here, do my best for Morton and help the team finish as high as possible in the table.

“I hope that I can kick on here and enjoy my football again.

“It was horrendous time being out injured, so this really is a big chance for me to be back playing regularly.

“This move really could be the making of me – and I hope it is for myself and the Morton supporters. I know that I’ll need a few games to get my sharpness back.

“Whether that’s in the reserves or coming off the bench, I need to keep working and training hard. Hopefully I can just contribute as much as possible for the team as the season goes on.”