JIM Duffy has shot down claims that Morton are heavy favourites for this afternoon’s clash with Beith Juniors in the Scottish Cup.

Ton travel to Bellsdale in the third round of the competition to face the Ayrshire junior outfit, and while the Greenock men are expected to make light work of their opposition, Duffy refused to be drawn into the conversation about his side being odds-on to go through.

He told the Tele: “I don’t know who will make us heavy favourites, if you play a team outwith your division and sometimes even in your division, sometimes you’re made favourites for one reason or another. As a football manager you can’t look at that.

“Although it’s a William Hill competition and they are a bookmakers, I’ll let the bookmakers take care of that. We’ve just got to do our job properly.”
Duffy reckons it will be an awkward tie for his team but says they will be up for the challenge.

He also insists junior football doesn’t get the credit it deserves — and that Beith will be formidable opponents because they are ‘one of the best’ junior sides out there.

He said: “It’s one of those ties that people expect us to do well but I’ve been around the game long enough to know that you have to make sure you’re geared up for the challenge.

“It’s a very tricky draw and for anyone who knows Ayrshire junior clubs, they are notoriously difficult with vociferous support. Playing at their own ground with the slope, and depending on the weather could make it a very difficult tie.

“Obviously in amongst the quality they’ll have, they are the Scottish Junior Cup holders so that tells you they are one of the best junior clubs around. Junior football is a lot better than some people would have you believe.”

Tickets for Morton’s derby with St Mirren on Saturday December 31 will go on sale today at Smiths. 

Briefs for the clash at St Mirren Park will also be available to purchase at Cappielow during office opening hours, starting on Monday, as well as from Smiths during their normal opening hours.