LEE KILDAY saw Morton at their lowest ebb in recent memory as they headed for League One on the back of a 10-2 drubbing at New Douglas Park.

Now, they have consolidated their place in the Championship and have a Betfred Cup semi-final with Aberdeen to look forward to this afternoon.

And the Cappielow captain reckons the transformation has all been down to boss Jim Duffy as his side look to become Hampden heroes.

Kilday was part of the Hamilton team that famously beat the Ton on the final day of the season but agonisingly missed out on promotion to the Premiership.

The words of wisdom from Duffy convinced Kilday a switch to Greenock was the best move for his career and within months Morton were back in the second tier.

He would knock back a return to Accies last summer to commit his future to Duffy’s side once again and now he has a chance to lead his side into the Betfred Cup final.

Kilday said: “Hamilton offered me a two-year deal a few weeks before the season finished.

“Morton hadn’t offered me anything but the gaffer was going to speak to me.

“I turned down Hamilton before I got the offer from Morton then I got the offer and I knew I wanted to stay.

“I think I owed it to the gaffer. I think he’s done a lot for me.

“He’s made me captain and he’s been great with me. It was an easy decision.

“To go back to Hamilton would have been great because I was there so long. But I knew I wanted to stay at Morton.

“They are [lucky to have him]. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I think he’s done a great job since he’s been here.

“We finished fifth last season, just missed out on the play-offs. We had two quarter-finals last season, we’re in a semi this year. He’s done a magnificent job.”

Morton have made significant progress since Duffy replaced Kenny Shiels in the dugout but booking a return to Hampden would top the lot for the Ton.

Aberdeen are rightly favourites to set up a meeting with Rangers or Celtic and to move within 90 minutes of the silverware.

But Kilday is confident Morton can rise to the occasion against Derek McInnes’ side.

He said: “I don’t think Aberdeen were ever going to come into this game being complacent.

“They will be right up for it as well as it’s the chance to get to a final.

“I’m sure their manager will be saying to the Aberdeen players that they can’t think they are going to be going into an easy game.

“He’ll know what can happen, he’ll have seen it before in cup competitions. It’s a one-off game and anyone can win.

“It’s one we are all looking forward to and we just want it to come along just now.”

For most of the Morton squad, the Dons clash will be the biggest match of their careers to date and it will undoubtedly be a moment to savour for the Cappielow club.

Forward Jai Quitongo has been one of the stars of the show for Duffy’s side this term as his impressive performances have attracted admiring glances from a host of clubs.

And Kilday knows it is a chance to shine for the up-and-coming talent in the Greenock squad as they look to make their mark on the big stage.

Kilday said: “He’s still very young, he’s only 19 years old but he’s come in this season and he’s done great.

“I think he will be a top player if you give him a couple of years you will see him going down to England.

“His pace and power gives any defence problems and he’ll be a big threat for us on Saturday.

“It’s a massive game for everyone, it’s on television and there will be a lot of people at it.

“It’s a chance to showcase what you can do and show just how good we are both collectively and individually.”