MORTON vice-captain Jack Baird was frustrated to be sidelined by injury recently - but admits he enjoyed his time sitting alongside supporters.

Baird missed a series of games after picking up a knock in training and could only look on as his team-mates continued the team's impressive unbeaten run.

But the big defender has told the Tele how much he enjoyed sampling the atmosphere from the stands for the dramatic victory against Dundee United and tense draw with Partick Thistle.

Baird said: “It was frustrating not to have played over the last few weeks and be even more a part of the good run than I already have been.

“But to be fair, I was in with the crowd for Tannadice. And I’ll tell you what, what a day out it was, by the way!

“I texted the boys after the game saying the same thing. Even the Partick game here at Cappielow, it was a great game to watch and a good point to get in hindsight.

“In saying that though, nothing beats playing in these games so hopefully that’s me available for the rest of the season.”

The 27-year-old ace says he and the rest of the squad are still on a high from Dougie Imrie signing a new extended deal to keep him in the Cappielow hotseat.

He feels it will help spur the side on as they look to make a promotion push.

Baird said: “The gaffer signing the contract can only be a good thing for the group as a whole.

“Having now worked with him for eighteen months, I've not looked back.

“I only signed a new deal around six months ago, and that was because I wanted to stay here and work with him and Andy Millen.

“Your feelings are reciprocated when the manager then signs a new contract too, it’s brilliant.

"The announcement of that was huge for the club.

“Not only is he a great gaffer, he’s also a great guy who really looks after us as a team. It’s a brilliant piece of business for the club so I’m delighted to see him put pen to paper.

“It’s a lift for everyone. Dougie’s got me playing the best football of my career, or at least the most consistent anyway.

“Despite him being a more attack-minded player, both he and Andy work with the defenders just as much.

“Working under both of them has been massive for me.

“Training and playing with someone as experienced as Kirk Broadfoot has been too, it’s showing me another side to the game. And Efe Ambrose was good last year and I really enjoy playing with Darragh O'Connor as well.

“It really seems to be the best of both worlds just now, as I'm enjoying who I’m playing with, whilst also receiving good coaching on the sidelines.

"I hope I can continue to learn and play at the standard I have been.

“We’re building something here and that’s what you want to do."