FORMER Morton defender Jack Iredale has revealed that he and ex team-mate Lewis Strapp have helped support each other during their respective knee injuries - and he's backed his former teammate to move on to a higher level.

Both Iredale and Strapp have been out of action since January with their respective layoffs.

The Bolton full back revealed that they have kept in touch and rallied around to keep their spirits high as they embarked on the road to recovery.

Iredale is nearing a return to action, and hopes he can help his side claim promotion to the Championship through the play-offs.

Strapp, who is leaving Ton this summer, faces at least another six weeks on the treatment table before being ready to make a return.

Greenock born Aussie defender Iredale hopes his friend can put this tough period behind him.

He told the Tele: "I spoke to Strappy just after the Celtic cup game when he'd injured his knee.

"We've been keeping in touch since, and over the course of the rest of the season.

"When the news came out that he wasn't going to re-sign, I was straight on the phone having a chat because for anyone that's two really significant things to happen in a short space of time.

"It's tough to see him going through that injury as well but hopefully he can be back to full fitness and being stronger than ever sooner rather than later because he's too good to not be playing football.

"We've stayed close since he's come into the first team environment.

"It's good to have that support network there because there's nothing worse than being away from your team-mates for a prolonged period of time.

"I think it's his first proper injury. He's such a sturdy little guy, he chucks his body on the line for everything, that's just how he is. You never know how someone could react to these things."

The former Morton man is adamant that Strapp will undoubtedly go on to bigger things as his contract runs down into its final weeks.

He believes that clubs won't have to look twice at the prospect of signing the 23-year-old despite the injury.

He said: "I think his ceiling, despite the injury, is still going to be quite high. He's got a lot of really good attributes and he's got a lot of games under his belt at a young age. It's exciting to see where he's going to end up next.

"It might be a little bit harder with his knee now, but people just need to look at his record of games played at his age. Then it won't be the most difficult decision in the world to make."