MORTON'S new 'loan Ranger' Josh McPake has revealed that he turned down the chance of European football to come to Cappielow.

Ton gaffer David Hopkin worked hard to secure his man, fending off rival advances from the likes of Irish champions Linfield - who were embarking on a Champions League journey - and Ayr United to successfully bring in the 19-year-old starlet.

McPake, who enjoyed a loan spell with Dundee last term, admitted that his mind was made up after a conversation with the Ton gaffer.

He told the Tele: “There were a good number of teams interested in me but when I spoke to David Hopkin, it just felt more suited to me.

"He really showed me how much he wanted me at the club, so it was an easy choice in the end.

“Linfield and Ayr were some of the options there for me and I’d spoken to the Linfield manager a few times.

"But I felt like when I spoke with the gaffer here he was brutally honest with me and it really filled me with confidence being here.

“I really wanted to come back and play in the Championship this season, it’s a really good and competitive standard of football to play at.

“There’s good teams with some really experienced and high-quality players in the league, so it all just felt as if it would be a good place for me to come and develop even more.

“I feel like the way Morton play really helps wingers come on, whether that’s them getting goals or trying to hit the byline and put balls into the box, so I’m really looking forward to getting going now."

McPake says he has settled into life at Parklea quickly and wants to make a big impact when the season begins.

He said: “I’ve had a good couple of sessions already and I’m just really looking forward to getting the games started if I’m being honest.

“I just want to get back to playing football again, it feels as if it’s been way too long, so hopefully the next ten days fly in.

“I’m hoping to get as many goals and assists as possible this season because they’re what put your name out there and stand out.

“I think the main thing for me this year is getting into those positions where I’m able to score more goals and help the team out as much as I can."

McPake's loan deal runs until January initially and it will then be reviewed.

He told the Tele: “Hopefully if I’m doing well, I can say that I’d like to extend the loan and play the full season here, but we’ll just need to see how it’ll play out.”