JIM Duffy heaped praise on his heroes after a memorable 2-1 victory over Dundee United in the Betfred League Cup at Cappielow.

The Ton manager couldn't hide his delight as goals from Jai Quitongo and stand-in skipper Thomas O'Ware kept his side marching on in the cup - where they have now reached the semis for the first time since the 1979/80 season.

And Duffy reckons the history created by his team is no mean feat and they should be commended for their efforts after an excellent all-round display.

He said: "I thought it was a terrific cup-tie. We started really well, we defended our penalty box really well and I can't remember Andy [McNeil] having too many saves to make in the second-half.

"Overall I thought it was a fantastic night for the football club and I'm delighted for the players. I've been told it was 1979 was the last time Morton were in the League cup semi-final so that shows the amount of fantastic sides that have been here over those years, and we've managed to do that whereas a lot of great Morton sides haven't.

"We've beaten two Premiership sides and we've beaten a top-class side tonight, so the boys deserve it and I'm sure that when it comes around, they'll be looking forward to it.

"For the guys, it's brilliant for them. You don't set out with it in mind but for the football club, the reputation, the finance - we were the only game that wasn't on TV, so maybe we'll be on the TV next time."

Duffy was also delighted with his team's ability to cope under pressure after United striker Nick Van der Velden tried to mount a comeback with a 55th minute strike. The Tangerines had plenty of pressure and possession after their goal but Duffy's men stood up to the challenge, and their manager was pleased.

He continued: "We knew they would come flying out the traps, of course they are. We just had to try and show a bit of composure. You could see one or two of them were getting a wee bit edgy, slicing a few balls up in the air, trying to be a wee bit extra careful in the pass but we weathered a storm and I thought we defended pretty well."

Ton square-off against United again, this time at Tannadice, on Saturday - and Duffy is fully aware that his team are in for an even bigger challenge.

He concluded: "I'm sure the boys in the away dressing-room have heard our boys cheering and will want to get one over on us. But tonight is our night. It's a cup quarter-final, we're in the semis, we'll enjoy it and regroup and prepare for Saturday."