MORTON goalkeeper Derek Gaston has been ruled out of today's crucial game against Queen of the South.

The Ton have been dealt a blow after their number one was substituted at half-time in Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Dumbarton, with manager Jim Duffy confirming after the game the shotstopper was going to hospital to get an X-ray on his hand.

While the scans came back positive with news that there was no break, his hand was in strapping at training on Thursday, with the Morton boss not wanting to take any risks — and Duffy says the keeper could be sidelined for longer.

He told the Tele: “Derek had to go to hospital for his hand injury. He’s wearing strapping on his hand, it didn’t show any break at this moment in time.

“But there are that many small bones in your hands that you’re never 100 per cent sure.

“He’ll be unavailable for the next couple of weeks anyway. I’m not sure exactly how long, but he’ll definitely be out for tomorrow.”

Gaston has been a consistent performer for the Ton this season, and racked up his 200th appearance for the club only a few weeks ago against Brechin City.

His injury gives Conor Brennan, inset, an opportunity to shine as Ton aim to keep their play-off hopes alive.

The Northern Irishman has played two games for the Ton so far since joining the club from Ballymena United back in January, both against Dumbarton.

And Duffy is more than confident the 24-year-old will be able to handle the pressure on Saturday against Queen of the South.

He added: “Derek has been outstanding for us, he’s been one of the most consistent goalkeepers over the last three or four years in Scottish football.

“It’s a blow for us, but Conor came in a couple of weeks ago against Dumbarton and did well for us, and has got an opportunity over the next couple of games at least.

“It gives him an opportunity, we’re delighted to have him and from that point of view it gives another player a chance to prove his worth and we’re confident he’s good enough and confident enough to take advantage of that.”

Morton Under-20s goalkeeper Daniel Farrell will likely be included on the bench, with Jamie McGowan still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered back in November.

Luca Gasparotto and Gary Oliver were absent from Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Dumbarton, with Michael Tidser also coming off with a knock.

Duffy added: “Luca unfortunately has quite a bad infection in his leg.

“It didn’t look too significant at the time, it was a graze, but it got infected, so his leg is all swollen up and that came out of the blue.

“He will certainly be unavailable, he’s on quite strong antibiotics to see if he can deal with the infection.

“Gary Oliver has a virus so he’ll still be struggling.

“He came into training yesterday but he’s weak, he’s not eaten for three days and been in bed.

“He’ll maybe do some light training today but he’ll certainly not be available for Saturday and Michael Tidser had to come off with a neck strain, he’s 50/50 at this moment in time.”