DOUGIE Imrie says that ex Morton favourite Michael Doyle WON’T be getting handed a deal at Cappielow this season after featuring for his former club against Alloa in a friendly on Saturday.

The former Sinclair Street favourite spent two years at the club between 2016-18 under then-gaffer Jim Duffy, making over 60 appearances.

He trained at Parklea for the past week before featuring for 45 minutes against Brian Rice’s Wasps at the weekend.

But the Ton gaffer was keen to shut down any rumours of an emotional return, insisting that the player he was only making use of the facilities.

Imrie said: “Michael is just in to train to keep himself fit, he’s not one that we’re looking to pursue anything with.”

Doyle was one of four trialists listed on the teamsheet in Clackmannanshire for Ton’s opening friendly of the season.

He was a half time sub alongside former Celtic and Burnley kid Frankie Deane as well as ex Rangers duo Zak McKay and Jack McConnell.

Ton fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Indorill Stadium but the Ton gaffer says the most important thing for his side was to get time on the park under their belt.

He said: “It was our first pre-season game, we knew it was going to be difficult.

“We’re just trying to bed in new players and get them used to the way we want to play.

“Over the piece it was a good workout, I thought we dominated for large parts of the game but to concede a goal from a corner was poor.

“That’s something we prided ourselves on last season, was our ability to defend both boxes really well. That’s something we’ll need to learn and get better from.

“We created a lot of good chances too, we just didn’t take them but again, it was just about getting the legs moving again.”

One of the shining lights of the performance was trialist Deane at the base of the midfield.

His technical ability and confidence to get on the ball was apparent and Imrie says a deal could be explored for the 18-year-old.

He said: “Frankie’s had a good upbringing. He’s come through at Celtic before going down to Burnley last year.

“He’s one I've known for a while, technically he’s very good. The only thing that goes against him is his height.

“But on the ball, there’s no question, he’s got everything in that regard.

"Frankie’s one we’re looking at so we’ll see how that goes.”