Del glad that opportunity knocked for ex-Don Jai

DEREK MCINNES was disappointed Jai Quitongo could not make himself at home at Aberdeen.

However, the Dons boss reckons the Morton frontman’s career is now built on solid foundations after linking up with Jim Duffy.

Quitongo – son of former Hamilton and Hearts winger Jose – was tipped to be the Aberdeen’s next breakthrough starlet after being spotted by Pittodrie scouts.

But he failed to settle in the Granite City and was released by the Reds after a few months.

That knockback, though, proved to be a blessing for the 19-year-old after reinventing himself with Duffy in Greenock. Doncaster have already failed with a bid to prise him away but the likes of Crystal Palace, Hull and Swansea may have more pulling power come January.

McInnesMcI will be reacquaintedreacqu with his former charge when his side take on the To Ton in Saturday’s BetFred Cup semi-finalse at Hampden but he is j just pleased to see the youngsteryoung making the most of h his obvious talents.

He said: “Jai was a p popular boy here but he n never really settled. He w was homesick.

“I know his dad Jose q quite well and we worked w with the family.

“We tried to be quite understanding and being at home was good for him. That is now being shown in his performances.

“He can be an inspiration to other young players who feel they are drifting out the game.

“Jai had been here, there and everywhere. We gave him a little short-term deal to see if he enjoyed it up here. But he never really settled and we let him move on.

“He was scratching about trying to get a club but Jim has seen something in him. He’s raw but now he’s flourishing with the confidence he has been given

“He was a boy I liked. He had an edge to him and it’s good to see him doing well.”

McInnes was once a Morton player himself having started his career out on the banks of the Clyde.

But he will have no split loyalties as he looks to land his second trophy as Dons boss in the space of three seasons.

He said: “Morton is a club close to my heart and that will always be there but my job is to get Aberdeen to a cup final and hopefully win it.

“The players have done well to put themselves in this position. It’s our third League Cup semi in four years.”