DOUGIE Imrie says Morton trialist Brandon Diau's bold bid to land a full time deal at Cappielow strikes a chord with him because of his own background in the game.

The former Congo under-20s player has built up a big following on social media site TikTok as he documents his quest to find a club online.

The 30-year-old defender won the hearts of fans when he videoed himself showing up at Cappielow unannounced to ask to train with Imrie's first team.

He has since been granted that opportunity and was named in the squad for Tuesday night's game against Annan, only for the match to be called off seconds after he came onto the pitch, due to a terrible injury sustained by fellow trialist Michael Doyle.

The Morton manager now plans to field him against St Mirren tomorrow.

Imrie says he was disappointed that the big centre back couldn't get the chance to impress in midweek and admits that Diau's story reminds him of his battle to make a breakthrough into the professional leagues.

The Ton boss, who was 23 when he made the jump from junior side Lanark United, told the the Tele: "My assistant Andy Millen brought Brandon into the office after he arrived here, and he seems a nice guy.

"Everyone needs an opportunity.

"I needed one when I was trying to break through, Andy needed one too.

"I didn't get mine until I was 23 and Andy didn't go full-time until he was 27.

"Brandon's still looking for his, and we've given him that chance.

"He just needs to for however long he's here, showcase what he can do to hopefully get a contract.

"It's up to him to try and do that.

"He's got the same gauntlet handed down to him as every other player who walks through those doors.

"That's the beauty of the game, it doesn't matter how old you are.

"There's been some really high profile players come into the game really late on and then found their mojo in a place that they've enjoyed and kicked on.

"I'd have liked to have seen him for 30-minutes against Annan and that was the plan, but what unfolded happened, and unfortunately for Michael and for the players the game was called off early.

"Brandon's done okay in training but ultimately it's the games that matter to see how you handle it.

"I'm a bit gutted for him, and for the other guys on trial too, because they've got to try and showcase to myself and Andy what they're all about.

"It's not great circumstances."

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Imrie says he will have to rejig his plans for the Communities Cup clash against the Paisley men after Tuesday night's abandonment.

Greenock Telegraph:

The Tele understands he may look to arrange an additional bounce game in the middle of next week, ahead of the ViaPlay League Cup group stage kicking off.

He said: "Some of the boys got an hour in the legs, and others didn't get any.

"It's not the main concern after Tuesday night because our thoughts first and foremost are with Michael, naturally.

"Brandon and the other trialists will get a chance against St Mirren this weekend. I told all the trialists the other day that they'd get opportunities in all of the games.

"But obviously we've got to rethink for St Mirren because players need the game time to show what they can do."