AL: Cup was great but now it's time to focus on league

Russell Steele • Published 22 Jan 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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MORTON boss Allan McManus says he is glad the club can now focus solely on the league after weeks of cup tie hype.

Ton exited the Scottish Cup on Tuesday following a 1-0 defeat to Celtic and now have the opportunity to get back to winning ways when they take on Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy tomorrow.

McManus told the Tele he was relieved the Celtic game was now out of the way, allowing his players to focus on climbing up the table. He said: "It was always a bit of a sideshow for me.

"The atmosphere was great for the fans and the club, and it gave the fans a taste of what it used to be like and what we are trying to get the club back to, but the most important thing is the league."

Ton will take heart from their spirited show against Celtic and McManus has urged the team to maintain the same work ethic which frustrated Tony Mowbray's side.

He said: "We have explained to them if they work hard and bring that together with our passing game then we will win more than we'll lose.

"The boys did well on Tuesday but personally I was disappointed we didn't pass the ball as well as we can.

"We need to have the work-rate from the other night and ally that with the football."

Ton have a clean bill of health for tomorrow's game, with midfielder Erik Paartalu now over the ankle knock which kept him out of the Celtic game.

There could also be a debut for new boy Michael Tidser, with McManus and co-boss James Grady considering whether to freshen up the midfield.

McManus said: "Erik is back available, as is everyone else. Michael is also in the squad. We have got our ideas about the starting line-up but we'll keep our cards close to our chest just now."

McManus also revealed there is no progress in the continued pursuit of former Rangers striker Jonatan Johansson - and said the club was considering other options.

He said: "We've been told we will get an answer by Monday. We're always active and we have spoken to plenty of people but it's not an easy job - our priority might not necessarily be the priority of another club."

Meanwhile McManus said he was 'delighted' Peter Weatherson had signed a new two year contract at Cappielow - and has pledged to get the best out of the talented striker.

He said: "Peter's a big player for us but we believe we can get more from him and he believes that as well. Clubs were sniffing about and we thought we could lose him at one point.

"James and myself have discussed with Peter how he is a big part of our future plans. We're looking to build a team around Peter and one or two others."

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