New Morton man Lopata-White reveals where he believes his biggest strengths lie (Image: Kenny Ramsay)
New Morton man Lopata-White reveals where he believes his biggest strengths lie (Image: Kenny Ramsay)
NEW Morton man Reuben Lopata-White has no doubt that he is ready to slot straight into the first team.
The 20-year-old arrived on loan from Leeds United on deadline day, helping to bolster the centre-back position where Ton have found themselves short in recent weeks through injury.
“I was born ready,” Lopata-White confidently stated at the prospect of making a quick-fire debut.
With Scottish Cup fixtures meaning a free weekend for Ian Murray’s men, he will have a little extra time to get to know his new teammate.
There is one familiar face already in the home dressing room at Cappielow, however, in the shape of ex-Leeds player Kris Moore.
The pair came through the academy at Elland Road together, and Moore, as well as Dunfermline defender Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, gave the new arrival an insight into what life is like in the second tier of Scottish football.
“A little bit,” Lopata-White revealed of his knowledge of Scottish football. “Two of my old teammates play in this league as well.
“Jeremiah let me know early [what the Championship was like], and I just thought, might as well step up to the challenge.
“When I told Kris I was looking to come, he basically kind of reaffirmed my doubts. Just saying the lads are top, it's a good set-up, people like it. From that point on, I was definitely coming.”
Moore himself has been a mainstay in the side's defence this season, featuring 24 times.
Although he has missed the previous two outings due to injury, Moore has impressed in Greenock so far and has even chipped in with a few goals at the other end.
In particular, his stunning flying volley against Arbroath will certainly be a goal of the season contender.
Lopata-White is relishing the prospect of competing for the same position as his fellow Leeds United alum and even jokes he’ll try to outdo him in the scoring stakes.
He added, “Yeah, [the competition for places] is alright though. We'll see who plays. Maybe I'll try an overhead kick!”
He joins Fergus Owens in defenders who arrived at the club this month, giving Ian Murray much-needed depth in that area of the park.
Lopata-White has outlined what he hopes he can bring to the side looking to build on last week’s win over Ross County.
He continued: “I feel like I'm very good at one-on-one defending. I'm aggressive, on the ball, calm, and composed.
“I feel like I offer a lot going forward as well as keeping it solid at the back of the team.”