ENAMOURED Morton boss Dougie Imrie couldn't hide his delight at securing the signature of someone he has described as a 'top quality left back'.

Former West Brom and Inverness Caley Thistle defender Zak Delaney has penned a two-year-deal at Cappielow.

The Republic of Ireland youth cap became Imrie's eighth signing of the summer after impressing as a trialist in Ton's opening friendly against League One side Queen of the South on Saturday, and Alloa on Tuesday night which led to the Cappielow chief moving quickly to secure his services for the upcoming season.

Delaney puts pen to paper at Sinclair Street after leaving Arbroath, where he spent the second half of last season, registering nine appearances. In the previous 18 months he'd made nearly 40 run-outs for 2023 Scottish Cup finalists Caley Thistle under then boss Billy Dodds, and Imrie's delighted to be getting so much business done so early this summer.

The manager told the Tele: "I'm delighted to have managed to secure Zak's signature - he's a defender with a great pedigree.

"I thought he did very well as a trialist against Queen of the South on Saturday and Alloa on Tuesday. It was a pleasing performance from him.

"He was athletic, good on the ball and he's a good defender. It's pleasing to get a top quality left back signing over the line.

"He’s got a lot of talent, he’s a good young player who’s athletic and can get up and down the pitch well.

“He can put good quality balls into the box, defend well and most importantly he’s looking to get involved in the game.

"I think there were a few worried faces say, 17 days ago in regards to our transfer business. But I'm delighted to have got a lot of business done early.

"These things unfortunately take time, they don't happen overnight. Transfers, signing players they take a long time.

"As an example, I was chasing Arron Lyall and Owen Moffat for up to eight weeks, so as soon as the season is done you're on the phone looking to get people in the door.

"It might look like that nothing's happening but, in truth, football never stops. You're always looking to see what's out there.

"These things take a long time and like I say, it's about picking the right players, like Zak, like Owen, like Arron and hopefully we can go on to have a fantastic season."