MARK Russell admits Morton’s form this season has taken even themselves a little by surprise — but says it’s important to remain focused on the task at hand to make sure they finish the season strongly.

Ton sit joint second in the Ladbrokes Championship with Falkirk, with two games in hand over the Bairns.

And with a game in hand over league leaders Hibernian and two clashes to come against the Edinburgh outfit, it has been heady heights for the Greenock men so far this campaign. 

Russell says the squad have been pleasantly surprised with how well they’ve been doing this year after finishing outside the play-offs last season in fifth place.

He told the Tele: “I think we are a wee bit surprised at how well the season has gone so far. 

“We’ve got a good team obviously and all the new boys the manager has brought in have done well and fit in.

“We’ve got a right good team, but to be challenging at the top end of the table is a wee bit of a surprise. You look at the types of players we’ve got and we’re not as big a club as Hibs, Dundee United and even maybe Falkirk.

“We’re doing well this season. But things can change in football as everyone knows. 

“We just want to keep winning games and obviously hope that other teams drop points!

“We’re near enough guaranteed the play-off spot but we’ll try and finish as high up in the table as we can.”

Ton sealed a massive three points against Falkirk last weekend with a 1-0 win thanks to a Kudus Oyenuga header, and Russell explained that the team earned the result — and celebrated it wildly after the game.

He added: “We were absolutely delighted. 

“Especially away to Falkirk, because it’s such a hard place to go. Honestly, in the changing room we were all buzzing and congratulating one another.

“I would say it meant a lot. The boys worked hard, it wasn’t the best game but we’ve won, so everyone’s happy including the gaffer and Hagi [Craig McPherson].”

Dunfermline are this weekend’s opposition as Ton look to push on. But a win, or even a draw, would seal a special milestone for the club.

Morton haven’t lost at Cappielow since March 26 2016, which means a result against the Pars would see them go a full calendar year unbeaten at home.

And while this would be a monumental achievement, Russell insists the players can’t think too much about the potential landmark or risk becoming complacent at just the wrong time.

He said: “To us, it’s just another game that we have to try and get maximum points from. But it would be nice to go the full calendar year unbeaten at home.

“It’s not something we really focus on, we just want to win and get three points on the board.

“All the players enjoy playing at Cappielow in front of the home fans. We try and get on top of teams and press them as far and high up as we can, so a lot of teams don’t like coming here.

“As you can see we’ve gained a lot of points from our home games. And maybe the size of the park isn’t as big as some others. 

“I don’t know exactly, really. I just think we’re a hard working team, especially at home.

“And I think that’s why it’s become a wee bit of a fortress.”