Leeds loanee Lopata-White believes Morton spell can be springboard to Premier League (Image: Kenny Ramsay)
Leeds loanee Lopata-White believes Morton spell can be springboard to Premier League (Image: Kenny Ramsay)
REUBEN Lopata-White has revealed his major ambitions of playing in the English Premier League.
The young defender arrived at Ton on loan from EPL giants Leeds United on deadline day and believes that a spell playing at Cappielow will be the perfect springboard for him to crack into the first team picture at Elland Road.
When quizzed about how quickly he can force his way into Daniel Farke’s plans in Yorkshire, he was optimistic, admitting: “Hopefully when I go back to Leeds next year, ideally, but we'll see.
“I want to help Morton, first of all. Obviously, help the fans, help the team win as many games, and get us up the table.
"But also for my personal development, I feel like it's definitely a good way to start my career and hopefully go on to different things too.”
Lopata-White has made 16 appearances for the Elland Road club’s under-21s so far this season, including appearances in the EFL Trophy and the National League Cup.
Only this week has the Scottish Premiership seen two of its highest rated young stars in Evan Mooney (St Mirren) and James Wilson (Hearts) depart for the academies of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
Having been raised in that environment for most of his footballing life, Lopata-White now believes it’s crucial that he cuts his teeth in the men's game as opposed to the world of under-21s.
“I feel like the experience of playing in men's football is a must,” the 20-year-old admitted. “Yeah, 21s football is good, but it's not real. Do you know what I mean?
“I feel like, hopefully, I can do pretty well at this level.”
Ian Murray told The Tele that he was keen to add at least two more on deadline day, and managed to pull that off with Lopata-White joining Curtis Main through the door.
The defender outlined how crucial the new manager was is making his mind up when making the switch north of the border.
He continued, “Yeah, I had a few conversations with [Ian Murray] on the phone when Morton came in.
“He told me his plans, how he likes to play and everything, and he just felt like I'd be a good fit for the team, and that if I'm called into action straightaway, he wants me to be ready. I said, yeah, definitely.”
Loptata-White will have plenty of time to bed in at Cappielow, with the Ton not set to play this weekend.
The only fixture news Morton fans have had to go off has been the decision to move their clash with Arbroath on March 28 forward by two hours.
Both clubs requested the fixture, which falls on the same day as the Scotland National Men's team's game against Japan at Hampden, be moved forward from 3pm to 1pm.