A last chance for Simmonds to grab deal

Roger Graham • Published 10 Feb 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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STANDING BY: Ryan McGuffie is ready to fill the breach in central defence if needed.

MORTON are to give ex-Coventry forward Donovan Simmonds one more game to prove he has what it takes to be offered a contract at Cappielow.

Although he score a good goal against Hamilton in a bounce game last week, Simmonds, 21, apparently did not impress sufficiently in another friendly against St Johnstone at Cappielow on Monday to be offered a deal.

Ton boss James Grady said: "He's not done enough as yet to nail down a place. We have told him [on Tuesday morning] what he has to do. He has one more game and it's up to him."

That game will probably be arranged for next week.

Meanwhile, Grady and assistant Allan McManus will be taking a look at another striker tonight and a centre half, the latter probably with a view to next season.

While a striker remains the priority, Morton do not have their problems to seek as they prepare for the trip to Dumfries on Saturday. Both first choice central defenders, Stewart Greacen and Dominic Shimmin, are doubtful, the former with a virus which has laid him low this week, and the latter with a groin strain.

Midfield man Erik Paartalu also broke down in training after appearing to have recovered from an ankle knock. He must now be very doubtful for Saturday.

Added to that is the news that Alex Walker, sent out to Brechin on loan in order to build up his fitness, has suffered a recurrence of the hernia problem which necessitated an operation.

Grady said: "Ryan McGuffie has played in the centre of the defence in a couple of the bounce games and has done really well, while we've got David MacGregor who can play there, so we have some cover."

McManus himself could also be recalled if necessary.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 10 Feb 10

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