MORTON have had another success story in recent weeks in the shape of development squad teenager Jordan Cairnie.

While the first-team enjoyed title success in League One and the Under-17s finished top of the pile in the South-West League, Cairnie was lifting a trophy on loan at Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

The 18-year-old linked up with his local junior outfit in February and helped them to victory in the Ayrshire District League.

In fact, Cairnie, who is comfortable in defence or midfield, opened the scoring and won the man of the match award in the championship-clinching victory over Darvel.

And the delighted utility man told the Tele: “We won the league at Darvel and it was a great experience.

“We took a good crowd with us that day, it was sunny, and I scored the first goal and got man of the match, so it turned out to be the perfect day. It couldn’t have gone better.

“We’ve got a Cup Winners’ Cup game this Saturday and we get the league trophy presented to us then. I’m not sure if I’m entitled to a medal but I’ll find out on Saturday.

“I joined Winton a couple of months ago and have played seven or eight games so far. To go out on loan for a couple of months and win a league with your local team is not bad.” Cairnie was one of a half dozen of the development squad stars to be farmed out on loan this term, and he feels the experience has benefited him immensely.

He added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. There are a few experienced players down at Winton and they’ve helped me with my game.

“I’ve been playing in defence and the boy alongside me is an experienced centre-half. He’s been talking to me and helping through the defensive side of the game. The manager, Chris Strain, has been around the block a few times and knows his stuff, so it’s definitely helped me. I’m been thriving and learning new things.” The talented teenager’s season is far from over, though, with the Winton Park outfit still competing on two fronts.

As a result, Cairnie missed the Ton’s title win over Peterhead as he was playing a starring role in a stunning 3-2 away win over junior giants Auchinleck Talbot in the West of Scotland Cup.

However, he revealed that his dad, Jimmy, who is a regular at his Morton Under-20 matches, kept him up to date with the score at Cappielow.

He added: “We were playing the Talbot in the West of Scotland Cup on Saturday there and beat them 3-2, which was a great result, and we’ve got Irvine Meadow in the quarters next.

“During the game, my faither shouted on me from the stand, giving me the signal that Morton were 2-1 up at half-time and I found out afterwards they’d won 3-1 and won the league.

“I was chuffed for the boys. It was a great wee double to go out on loan and win the league and for Morton to do it as well.” Cairnie, who has made two first-team sub appearances, has another year on to run on his Ton contract but knows it will be a tough task to make a breakthrough in the Championship next term.

He said: “Just now I’ll finish the campaign with Winton, with us looking to go on a couple of cup runs, and then come back in for pre-season with Morton.

“I’ll see what the gaffer’s got to say and if I’m in his plans or not and take it from there.

“It will be hard but I think I’ve done well so I’m hoping to break through and be in the gaffer’s thoughts.”