EX-Morton defender Luca Gasparotto insists Falkirk can’t afford to surrender an early lead to his former side today — or they risk crashing out of the Scottish Cup at Cappielow.

Falkirk have gone behind against Ton twice in the teams’ two previous meetings this season, with both fixtures ending in 1-1 draws in Greenock and at the Falkirk Stadium.

But the Canadian defender is adamant his side won’t make the same mistake this afternoon, because it could mean the difference between their name being in the hat for the next round draw or not.

He told the Tele: “First and foremost we can’t let Morton get ahead, that’s been the problem in the previous two fixtures. We let them go ahead and we’ve been battling back trying to get something from the game. 

“We know going ahead is important because they can then sit in and make it very difficult for us.

“We have to be patient and try to break them because we know they’re going to get men behind the ball. It will be a very good game because it’s two good teams, and I’m looking forward to it.

“I think it will be a tight game as it has been already this season. The two times we’ve played so far were both draws when we scored late both times.

“We know what we’re up against and Morton are a tough team to beat, especially with the form they’re in at the moment. 

“Their form at home is unbelievable and we know it’s going to be tough for us.

“We know we have to be patient and try to break them down, but also defend really well because we know they’ve got dangerous players up front and in attacking areas.”

Gasparotto has fond memories of his year at Morton. The 21-year-old starred for the Greenock outfit in 2015-16 and is still remembered fondly by supporters.

But his feelings for the club will be put to one side this weekend — because he’s desperate to go on a cup run of his own this year with the Bairns.

He said: “Mark [Farrell] does a great job with the pitch and in my opinion it’s one of the best surfaces in the country, which says a lot. 

“The pitch will be great and the atmosphere, because it’s a cup game, will be great.

“I enjoyed my time at Cappielow and I’m thankful for the fans supporting me and the coaches helping develop me into a better player, giving me the chance to play there. I’ll always be thankful for that.

“But trying to get a cup run going is what’s important to me at the moment with Falkirk, and I’m sure Morton will be the same. They had a couple of good cup runs last year and obviously the Betfred Cup this season.

“It’ll be good to get a cup run going for Falkirk, for the club and for the fans and we’re looking for another one of those. We’re up for the challenge, but we know it’s going to be tough.”