MORTON'S Calum Waters says he was so relieved to make his return from long-term injury in the dramatic win against Dundee United that he wasn't even bothered about not touching the ball.

The former Kilmarnock kid made his first appearance on Saturday in almost nine weeks after tearing his groin in the televised defeat to Dunfermline back in November.

The full back replaced Lewis Strapp in the final few minutes at Tannadice to help Dougie Imrie’s men hold on for their sixth win in eight games.

He was subbed on so late that he didn't get a kick, but couldn't care less after ending his injury agony and seeing the team pick up a terrific win against the title-chasers.

Waters told the Tele: “I’m just buzzing to have been back out there, even if it was just for three minutes! It puts an end to what was not a nice period for me and hopefully I can kick on now.

“I was just delighted for all the boys at the win, personal things come second in those situations. I didn’t touch the ball with my feet, only with my hands when the ref blew the full-time whistle.

“When you come on at a late stage like that and you’re holding on to a lead as a defender there’s nothing worse.

“You’re looking to see the game out and just praying that you don’t muck things up in any way, because the blame can easily be pointed on you.

“I’m so happy that we held on and got such a massive result up there.

“We were confident within ourselves with the run of form that we’d been on but nobody else was really giving us a chance.

“We were two-nil up and cruising and lost our way a bit and conceded two silly goals, but we managed to pull ourselves back.

“Anyone will tell you, when you’re playing up the hill at Tannadice as we were in the second half, it’s not an easy shift.

“Dundee United are right on top of you, it's as if the home fans behind the goal are trying to suck the ball into the net for them. It’s hard at times but I thought the boys stood up to the pressure very well and then we managed to get our goal at the end. It was fully deserved.”

Waters also expressed his delight for team-mate George Oakley, whom he’s known for several years, over his perfect hat-trick.

He added: “I’m delighted for big Geo. He’s been great since he’s come back into the team, unbelievable.

“We know what kind of player we’ve got in George. No centre-half is going to enjoy coming up against him. I’m just glad he’s in my dressing room, let's put it that way.

“He’s always been a player I’ve wanted in my team and when he was at Killie with me I saw just how good he was.

“I’m a big believer in him, as is the gaffer, and it just goes to show how much of an impact having a player like that in your corner can have.”