Greenock Telegraph | Sport | Building on the Argy-bargy

Thursday, 20th November, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 29th July, 2008 12:00

Building on the Argy-bargy

By David Christie

Image related to story, see caption or article text

RED-booted winger Kevin Finlayson didn’t shirk a challenge on Saturday — but the Ton star reckons it was St Mirren who were fortunate to finish with 11 players.

Finlayson was involved in a second-half bust-up with Saints’ Argentinian Franco Miranda, which ended in a double booking.

The 28-year-old admits he may not have timed his challenge too well, but it was the South American who was breathing a sigh of relief at the colour of the card ref Iain Brines was clutching.

He said: “The tackle on him was a bit late, but the way he kicked out, I don’t think that was necessary.

“I said to the ref I was late, but the guy booted me on the knee which didn’t exactly help matters.

“When he kicked me I could have played up on it, but I didn’t, I just go on with things and the ref decided to book us both.

“He was probably the lucky one not to get sent off. He was moaning after it and the next thing, he was involved in a tussle with Jim [McAlister].

“In the end he got subbed which was probably the best move as he was in danger of getting sent off.”

Finlayson was back in training yesterday as the side pored over the weekend’s game.

And, looking at the physical stature of his team-mates, the goal conceded irked the former Stranraer man.

He added: “I thought we played well, that is the best we have played all pre-season, but the goal was a poor goal to concede.

“The guy who scored was not picked up, which shouldn’t be happening.

“And to lose a goal from a corner is really disappointing when you look at the size of our guys, people like Erik Paartalu, Stewart Greacen, Peter Weatherson, Stevie Masterton.

“We have a big side so it shouldn’t be that easy to score from a set-piece. We need to make the best use of our size both defensively and in attack.”

Now one of the most experienced members of the Morton squad, Finlayson is gearing up for a big season with the Ton, starting with Clyde on Saturday.

He said: “I want to score a few more goals and play well in every game.

“That’s probably not going to happen, but as long as I play well in as many games as possible and get on the scoresheet more often then I will be doing alright.

“Getting the goals in the final two games of last season gave me a real buzz and I want that buzz back more often.

“Davie [Irons] asked us on the very first day of pre-season where we expected to finish this season and the boys all feel we can be up there challenging.

“I don’t see why not. Last season was poor but a club like Morton should be up there. We certainly don’t expect to be in the bottom half of the table.”

Social Bookmarking What are these?