MORTON are set to receive a share of a £252,000 cash boost after it was announced yesterday the Challenge Cup competition will be rebranded as the SPFL Trust Trophy.

The tournament will be funded by millionaire philanthropist James Anderson and a second donor.

The rebooted competition was due to start this season, but with fans unable to attend matches, clubs elected to cancel the tournament, with the original sponsorship agreement rolling over to season 2021-22.

With the agreement of the donors, the SPFL Trust has now stepped in to enable the funding pot for this season to be made available to clubs now.

Clubs and community trusts will be eligible to apply to the SPFL Trust for £4,200 each immediately.

SPFL Trust interim chief executive and former Morton CEO Warren Hawke said: “We are delighted to reveal the new SPFL Trust Trophy and at the same time, be in a position to offer two new funding streams for clubs and community trusts, despite the competition’s 12-month delay.

"That has only been possible with the flexibility of our donors, for which we are extremely grateful.

“With the competition postponed for a season, the sponsorship fee had to roll over until 2021 under the terms of our agreement with the SPFL.

“However, we recognise the valuable contribution that both SPFL clubs and associated community trusts make to their communities. It is fair to say that the pandemic has continued to create unprecedented uncertainty, for clubs and their communities across Scotland.

“Our donors have enabled us to continue to offer a package of funding this season, whilst maintaining our commitment to sponsor the SPFL Trust Trophy next year."

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “It’s a fantastic gesture by the benefactors and the SPFL Trust to enable this fund to be activated despite the tournament being cancelled this season."