MORTON boss David Hopkin has strengthened his squad after a signing spree saw him complete deals for four new players in one day.

A hectic afternoon of transfer activity at Cappielow began with the unveiling of Rangers youngster Josh McPake, who arrives on a loan deal until January.

It was followed up by the permanent signings of former Ross County kid James Wallace, plus defenders Michael Ledger and Markus Fjortoft, formerly of Queen of the South and Premiership club Hamilton Academical respectively.

Ton fought off tough competition from a host of clubs up and down the country, including the likes of league rivals Ayr United and Irish champions Linfield, to secure the signing of 19-year-old McPake, who is regarded as one of the Ibrox club’s top prospects.

Meanwhile 20-year-old Wallace clinched a deal following a trial.

He caught Hopkin's eye while playing against Ton in last season's Scottish Cup during a loan stint with Brora Rangers.

The Ton boss will be relieved with the double defensive swoop for Ledger and Fjortoft after recently missing out on Jack Baird and then seeing a loan for St Johnstone's Wallace Duffy cancelled within a week.

Ledger, 23, started his career with Sunderland before a spell in Norway.

He then spent the second half of last season at Queens, where he was restricted to five appearances for Allan Johnston’s side before coronavirus curtailed the campaign early.

He can play both at right back and in central defence.

Giant 26-year-old central defender Fjortoft, son of Norway legend Jan Aage, previously had stints in his homeland, New Zealand, as well as with MLS outfit Seattle Sounders before making the switch to New Douglas Park two seasons ago, making 12 appearances for Accies.

The signing spree takes the number of new recruits to eight ahead of next month's kick-off.

Hopkin said: "James Wallace has really impressed us in training and maintained the form he showed against us in the cup last season.

"Both Michael and Markus bring an experience learned from playing mainly abroad.

"That will give us something a little bit different as we embark upon the new season.”

Meanwhile the manager paid tribute to Ton director Brian Clements for funding the loan for McPake, saying he would 'like to express his appreciation' for his assistance with the deal.