Ton kid Armour added to Annan

STRIKER Ben Armour has completed a temporary switch that sees him join Ladbrokes League Two outfit Annan Athletic on a development loan until the end of the season.

Armour signed with Morton in September 2016 initially as a development squad player, but made his first-team bow as a substitute away at Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday 29 April 2017.

After four competitive substitute appearances for the senior side, he signed a contract extension last November, tying him to the club until the summer.

The 19-year-old has now made nine first-team sub outings in total, including playing the final 13 minutes of last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brechin City.

However, Jim Duffy believes he will be best served by gaining sustained senior experience with the Galabankies and revealed boss Peter Murphy sought out Armour’s services after watching him in Ton Under-20s matches.

The Cappielow gaffer told gmfc.net: “I think it’s the best way for the young players to progress. The Under-20s level isn’t the best test for them in terms of competitive action.

“Most of the time they’re playing against boys of the same age, and I think they need to go and test themselves against older players, more aggressive players in games that matter with the responsibility of winning points.

“The best way to do that is to go and play regular, first-team football. It can be senior football or it can be junior football – it’s what I call responsibility football.

“That’s what players have to learn because that’s what will happen when they come into the first team.

“He’s got a lot of potential, and I believe if he goes down to Annan and learns the game then he’ll come back a much better player for us.

“Could his impact at Annan help with my decision when his contract expires in the summer? Yes, of course. But, listen, it’s not all down to whether it goes perfectly for him.”