MORTON defender Oisin McEntee hopes that he can replicate his form for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s during his loan spell at Cappielow.

The 20-year-old central defender believes that the positive start to his nation’s World Cup qualifying campaign will stand him in good stead making the step-up to first-team football with Gus MacPherson's men.

McEntee says he is looking to make an instant impact in the Championship after his deadline day arrival from Newcastle United and he is determined to make the most of his first loan spell away from Tyneside.

He told the Tele: “Whilst I was away with the Republic of Ireland I was just looking forward to getting back to Newcastle initially because it meant that I could get going up here and I’ve really enjoyed my time in Scotland so far.

“It’s great to finally be here. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in in games and in training. I drove up last Wednesday and had my first session towards the back end of last week, so I’ve had a chance to settle in well.

“It was a really good international camp. We won our first game against Bosnia 2-0 and then drew against Luxembourg 1-1, so we’ve managed to open the campaign with four points and I’ve managed to play both times, so it’s a win-win for me.

“Hopefully I can bring that success from the under-21s into my time here at Morton and really hit the ground running.

“It’s my first loan, which kind of makes it a big one for me. I was nervous coming in as I didn’t know what to expect at first but it’s been great.

“Playing first team football and, more importantly, men’s football can only be good for me.

“It’s so important for the stage that I’m at in my career. To get out in the leagues and to be playing football is brilliant and I really cannot wait to get started.

“Everything has gone well so far and the lads are sound, I really can't wait to get out on the pitch now.”

McEntee hopes the responsibility of captaining Newcastle United's under-23s will help him in the next step of his development and he is looking forward to the challenge of cutting his teeth in the men’s game.

He added: “I’ve had a sense of responsibility obviously from my time at Newcastle and being the captain of the under-23s there.

“That can only help me as I look to make the step-up into men’s football and hopefully it can help me in games going forward.

“I’ve been in with the under-23’s for a few years now and it’s been good to play there and learn from some great coaches there.

“It was a long process in getting the move done to get here and the gaffer has been great in helping Tom Allan and I out, so I can't wait to repay him for the work he’s put in in getting us out here.”