MORTON’S latest teen prodigy Logan O’Boy was handed a late Christmas present by boss Dougie Imrie when handed him his Championship debut against Ayr - now he’s vowed to prove he can stay in his first team squad.

The enthusiastic 18-year-old was offered the dream of an apprentice contract at the beginning of August.

Fast forward a few months and he’s now had a taste of first team action.

O’Boy wasted no time in cementing his name in the minds of the Cappielow faithful by netting a classy finish to complete the 4-0 Scottish Cup rout of Bo’ness United at the end of November.

And after coming on as a second half sub against Ayr United on Tuesday, the 18-year-old says he’ll do everything he can over the next six months to earn an extended deal.

Greenock Telegraph:

O'Boy told the Tele: “Making my league debut couldn’t really be a better way to start the year for myself.

“Even though it was only a few minutes, it’s a perfect way to get going and get some exposure to this level of football. I hope it's another stepping stone to what can hopefully be a long career in the game.

“I just hope that this is the beginning and that I can do enough to prove to the manager that I’m worthy of getting more minutes here and there, gaining more experience as I go and being capable of being in and around the first team environment.

“I’m really grateful to have been given the opportunity by the manager here and what I need to do now is get my head down and work hard to make sure that I can back it up to continue being a part of the group.

“I’ve come through the academy and managed to be invited into the first team, it's the stuff dreams are made of and I don’t want to let my chance go."

Being a year older than the rest of the apprentices, the youngster realises just how vital the spell between now and the end of the season will be for him.

He said: “It’s been a whirlwind six months or so, firstly with the uncertainty of not maybe being offered the apprenticeship. But thankfully that came and then it was a case of kicking on and trying to get into the first team.

“I was able to do that and even take my chance against Bo’ness and since then it's been one way forward, so I’m really delighted.

“Hopefully I can use the appearance against Ayr as a springboard going into the second half of the campaign.

“You can’t get too disheartened about not playing, especially at my age because the Championship is a really tough league.

“I just need to be patient and bide my time, but I want to prove that I’m good enough to play here.”