MOR 2 AYR 2

EAMONN BROPHY insists a reunion with boss Dougie Imrie at Morton can revive his career and rekindle his love for football.

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The Morton striker’s double against Ayr included a late leveller on an emotional afternoon as his gaffer returned to the dugout after the passing of his daughter Remi at 20 days old.

It was that backdrop of grief that brought a sense of perspective for Brophy, who hopes his goals allowed a brief distraction from the pain endured by a gaffer he’s known since his days a kid at Hamilton.

He said: “Family is a lot more important than football. Dougie wanted to be here and we were delighted he was. It’s heartbreaking what's happened to him and his family and we're all here for them.

“We were delighted to see him and hopefully it takes a little bit of the pain he's feeling, if it can, from this but it's difficult.

“Everyone knows what's happened, it's unimaginable. It was good of him to be here. I was unsure whether he would be but it gave the players a lift.

“It's very difficult for him, of course, but I'm just glad we could get something for him.

“I sat next to Dougie in the dressing room for a few years when I was a kid at Hamilton, I was 17 or 18 and he was an experienced player.

“He helped me massively and I'm not just saying that because he's my manager.

“He demanded high standards then and he’s certainly the same as a manager, which is a good thing.