MORTON wide man Nathan Shaw has opened up on an emotional moment as he put eight months of injury hell behind him to finally make his debut for the Cappielow side.
The former Inverness player has had to battle back from two consecutive hamstring injuries, one of which robbed him of a return when it was within touching distance back in August.
But he came off the bench to make a 20-minute cameo in Friday night's 1-1 draw against Ayr United - and he hopes that it's just the beginning of a brand new start after a horrible spell on the sidelines.
He told the Tele: "That was a massive moment for me - I've got a few reasons to be delighted about it.
"I'm delighted to finally make my debut for Morton, and to get back on the pitch after a really tough five months or so.
"I've been building up in training for a few weeks now, to be fair, but actually going through the whole process of getting ready for a matchday was quite nice.
"You think about getting back out there, especially when you're on the side, and you do worry a little bit.
"But when you're on the pitch it all kind of leaves your mind. It's where you want to be. Once you're playing, you're able to forget about it, and try and put your best foot forward.
READ MORE: Wilson happy to provide a Morton collector's item with goal against Ayr
"I knew it was coming, so it's been a case of counting down the days to get back in amongst it with the boys.
"It's what you're a footballer for. You thrive for Saturdays at 3pm or, in this case, games on a Friday night. You want to be involved.
"Twenty minutes is a good start. We need to build it up slowly but hopefully it can stand me in good stead moving forward and we can continue to build on it at Livingston."
Shaw says he's looking forward to the prospect of being involved in a cup quarter final as Morton head for West Lothian this evening going for a place in the last four of the SPFL Trust Trophy.
The Home of the Set Fare Arena is a ground he knows well after helping Inverness put Livi out of the Scottish Cup two seasons ago, and he's hoping to pick up where he left off.
READ MORE: Imrie praises Morton's character after battling draw with Ayr
He added: "You want to go and win every game that you play in, but there's a trophy to win at the end of all of this, which adds to it a little.
"That's something you don't get to do much of in your career.
"It's a game that everyone will be looking forward to.
"I got two assists the last time I played at Livingston, so hopefully I can pick up from where I left off should I get on the pitch.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here