MORTON gaffer Dougie Imrie believes his players are reaping the rewards for their hard work after they secured back-to-back victories for the first time since December 2020 in Saturday's win over Ayr.

The 38-year-old believes full credit must go to the commitment of his players over the last few weeks - none more so than in-form striker Gavin Reilly who netted a double to sink the Honest Men.

Imrie believes that the 28-year-old is finally getting back to his best and has struck up a formidable partnership alongside talisman Gozie Ugwu who set up Reilly's second goal.

He told the Tele: “I’ve got to give credit to the boys again because they put everything into that game.

“Their work-rate, their commitment and their desire, everything they need to put into a game, they did that and they’ve reaped the rewards from it with another win and another clean sheet.

“I’m delighted that Gavin is coming on to what looks like such a rich vein of form and goals come from confidence, every striker will tell you that.

“Gavin had been out with a long-term injury before he came to the club and didn't have a lot of game time at Livingston, so his confidence was rocked.

“He’s been outstanding since I've been here and you can see that the confidence is growing in him and he’s now finding the back of the net with three goals in his last two games.

“That all comes down to Gavin, though, and also the rest of the team for the work-rate that they put into everything.

“Hopefully he can push on now and get a lot more goals for us and the same goes for Gozie too.

“I thought he was excellent for us again. His hold-up play up the top end of the park was fantastic and he’s gone and got another assist too.

“It always helps when you’re keeping clean sheets at the back door, it gives you a platform to work from.

“Again the backline were excellent and they didn’t give Ayr a sniff. When they got a wee half chance, Jack Hamilton was on hand to snuff out any danger, so I'm delighted for everyone connected with the club, from the fans to the directors to the players and staff.

“It’s been a good couple of weeks, but it could quickly change.

“We’ve got to keep delivering the same level of performances.”

Imrie praised debutant Jamie Brandon who made his first appearance in over a year having coming back from a ruptured cruciate knee ligament.

He believes that the only way is up for the Hearts full-back after making a positive start on Saturday.

He added: “It was good to see Jamie out there. He got a bit tired towards the end and that’s why we decided to take him off, but he’ll get fitter as time goes on.

“Full credit must go to him in coming back to play in his first game in over a year and we’re delighted to get him on the park.

“He played really well and was a real handful down that right-hand side, so we need to get him as fit as we can and as quickly as possible.”