St Johnstone: Michael O'Halloran best in Scotland - Tommy Wright

Michael O'Halloran put St Johnstone 2-1 ahead against Morton

St Johnstone's Michael O'Halloran is currently the best striker in Scottish football, says his boss Tommy Wright.

The 24-year-old scored one goal and set up another as Saints beat Greenock Morton 3-1 in the Scottish League Cup.

Asked if he was good enough to play for Scotland, Wright said: "On that form, I don't think there is anything better at the minute in our league.

"I don't think there are any Scottish players playing better than what he has been for the last couple of months."

O'Halloran, who played twice for Scotland Under-21s, joined Saints in 2014 after being released by Bolton Wanderers following loan spells with Sheffield United, Carlisle United and Tranmere Rovers.

He scored 10 times last season for the Perth side and last week revealed his ambition to win a full international cap.

But his only other strike this season came in the previous round of the League Cup against Rangers.

"Since Michael came here, he has done well, but he is just getting better and better and long may it continue," said Wright.

"I love working with him and he is an exciting talent and found an environment where he is enjoying is football.

"He is full of confidence and belief.

"There were three men round him for the goal and it is not luck. It is skill - and he is an exciting player.

"It was a fully-deserved win and a good performance with a lot of quality."

St Johnstone's victory over the Championship side in Greenock means they will be in the semi-final draw at Hampden Park on 9 November.

Premiership rivals Ross County also feature in the last four after gaining revenge for a recent league defeat with a 2-1 derby win away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

League leaders Celtic travel to face top-flight rivals Hearts for the third quarter-final on Wednesday.

Dundee United, who sit bottom of the league table, are away to Championship promotion hopefuls Hibernian next Wednesday.