FORMER Morton striker Kenny McLean reckons he would have preferred this weekend’s Scottish Cup tie to be played at Cappielow — but not for any sentimental reason.

McLean, now at Beith Juniors, played a handful of games for Ton in his 20s, but his memories of Cappielow aren’t exactly why he wishes the tie was being played in Greenock.

McLean believes Beith kick things up a notch on their travels, as is evident from their impressive form in the Super Premier League, where they have gone three games unbeaten away from Bellsdale Park.

Speaking to the Tele, he said: “It’s a good draw. We want to contest ourselves against the best teams in the cup and Morton are one of the highest seeded teams who came into the third round.

“But I would have preferred it being an away game because we play better when we’re away from home. Cappielow is a brilliant wee ground. Everything is close to the pitch and compact. 

“It’s always a good surface. I know the groundsman [Mark Farrell] came in around the same time as me, which would’ve been around 10 years ago now, but he’s always done a cracking job with the pitch. But it’s a cracking draw.” Comparing the two sides, McLean took time to praise Ton’s youthful squad compared to his side’s vast experience.

He is adamant this experience could potentially throw a spanner in the works for Ton - who are heavy favourites to come through the tie unscathed.

McLean said: “Obviously Morton have a lot of young players who are doing really well just now. Really, really well.

“They’ve got a good squad and, while I’ve not seen them play much, from what I’ve heard they’re a really good side.

“We are kind of at the other end, we’ve got a really experienced, older squad. Our backline are all in their mid-30s but we’re experienced.

“Obviously we’ve got big Marko McLaughlin. 

“But we’ve got experience through the team who have played at a decent standard, so it will be interesting on Saturday.”

Asked where Beith can hurt Morton, McLean replied: “We are really good going forward and we will cause teams problems. 

“We work hard as a team and as a unit. There aren’t many players who stand out, we just work as a unit. Also you could say we are hard to score against. 

“We’ve got a good big goalkeeper [Stephen Grindlay], and he’s played with Dumbarton, so we’re a good, strong, hard-working team.

“But hopefully we can force a replay.”