MORTON have farmed out eight of their youngsters to give them first-team action while the club's development squad is shelved this season.

Alexander Easdale, pictured, has been loaned out to Lowland League club BSC Glasgow, Darren Hynes and Lewis McGrattan join Gretna FC 2008, while Chris Stafford and Michael Garrity move to Johnstone Burgh and St Cadoc’s respectively.

Three colts will stay in Inverclyde, with Chris Wylie moving to Port Glasgow Juniors and Greenock Juniors securing the services of John Gallagher, who played on loan at Ravenscraig last season, and Aidan Duffy.

All loan deals are subject to a January review and the club confirmed it plans to send more young players out on loan.

Manager David Hopkin said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all the boys to get real game time and competitive action throughout a range of leagues that will enhance their development as well as being, ultimately, beneficial to our club.

"I am also delighted that we can retain the local factor by working alongside Port Glasgow and Greenock Juniors in deals that cement Morton at the heart of the community.”