SIDELINED Morton players were able to pitch in again as they joined the coronavirus community relief effort.

The Ton team have not been in action since the suspension of all football back in March due to the disease outbreak.

The club's workforce has been placed on furlough and the season was declared over a few weeks ago.

But this did not stop boss David Hopkin and his players from stepping in to help tackle the crisis affecting our community.

They rolled up their sleeves to help with a collection for Inverclyde Foodbank in aid of vulnerable people hit hard by the Covid-19 lockdown.

Donations were handed in to Cappielow by players, supporters and members of the community who all wanted to help.

Chief executive David Mackinnon was delighted that the club was able to show its support in a practical way.

He said: "We have been looking into ways of assisting the community, as these are difficult times for a lot of people.

"Club chaplain Alistair McAlees advised us that there is a desperate need for food collections and we felt as a club that this would be a great way to help."

After Alistair arranged the date, members of the first-team squad including Chris Millar, Aidan Nesbitt and captain Jim McAlister dropped in to lend a hand along with their manager.

David Hopkin said: "We reached out to Alistair and asked if there was anything we could do to help and he came back to us with this idea.

"I am delighted to see the turnout that we have had and it was good to see the players come down as well.

“We’re just trying to do what we can for the people in Inverclyde to get through this pandemic and being able to help as a club is the main thing.”

In addition to the substantial amount of food that was collected, there was also an anonymous donation of £200 handed in.

Midfield ace Millar told the Tele: "With Morton being a local club and being a big part of the community, it's important for us to help when we can, but particularly during the current climate.

"As a player you always like to give back to the community and try to help people who are really struggling at this time.

"We're delighted to help such a worthy cause."