FORMER Morton ace Joe McKee comes back to Cappielow with his new club today — and says he can’t wait to battle it out with his old employers in the promotion race.

Falkirk midfielder McKee spent three seasons in Greenock before moving on to pastures new but he is now back north after moving on from English outfit Carlisle, where he struggled to get regular game time.

McKee says it’s no surprise to him that Ton have built on their momentum from finishing fifth in the Championship last season, by continuing to improve under Jim Duffy this campaign.

He told the Tele: “When I was at Morton we just missed out on the play-offs last year. When I was leaving, I did an interview at the beginning of pre-season, and I remember being asked how I thought the team would do.

“My words were that I thought they would kick on again and that the gaffer would bring in players and have a strong season again — he’s got a record of doing that. Having been down south for the last six months, I’ve kept up to date with the scores and I still speak to some people from the club now and again.

“But I’m at Falkirk now, and it just so happens that ourselves and Morton are competing for the play-off spots at the moment, so it should be interesting.”

McKee never really got going at Carlisle, making just eight appearances in all competitions.

The 24-year-old says he’s delighted to be back in Scotland.

He said: “I’m enjoying it. I’ve been here a couple of weeks and have pretty much settled in at Falkirk already. 

“I was at Morton for three years so it’ll be good to come back and see a few familiar faces.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for the club because I was there for three seasons and I went through quite a bit with them while I was there. My first season was quite injury plagued and unfortunately the team were relegated. The second season we won the league and went back up and then last year finished fifth and had a good, strong season.

“I felt like I left on good terms and it’s still quite fresh, so I still get along with a few of the boys, the gaffer and Hagi [Craig McPherson]. I’ve got good memories.”

McKee knows more than most about the strength Ton have — and in particular the close bond within their squad.

He added: “I think it’s quite clear to everyone that Morton’s biggest strengths lie within the gaffer and his staff and the togetherness that they’ve got within the squad.

“They’ve got quality players, boys like Ross Forbes and Michael Tidser who I know from playing with are quality footballers. 

“They’ve got a good bit of experience as well, so putting all that together they’ve had a great run so far.”