RICKI Lamie is the latest Morton centre-half to pick up an injury — but veteran Darren Barr is ready to lead the defence.

Lamie picked up a knock and is unlikely to be risked at Fir Park, adding to Morton boss Jim Duffy’s defensive headache as his side are already without captain Lee Kilday and Thomas O’Ware.

But Duffy is certain development squad coach Barr won’t be fazed against Premiership opponents in the Betfred Cup group game and the manager praised the 32-year-old for his recent performances.

Duffy told the Tele: “Thomas and Lee were both already out and now Ricki Lamie has picked up an injury. He’s now doubtful for today. 

“From that point of view we’re a wee bit stretched, and if you’re going to play a Premiership side you really want all your players available. So it’s another test of the character of the players.

“But Darren Barr has been terrific in the couple of games he’s played since he’s come in. 

“We knew how good a player he was because he played just about every game for Dumbarton. He’s a good player, a very fit boy.

“He’s come in to be a coach of the development team, and he has done that, but at this moment in time with the injuries we’ve got, he’s more than capable of coming in. I have no issues with that, it was always going to be a wee added bonus anyway.

“I would have liked it being through choice rather than an enforced thing, but I’m sure Darren will be looking forward to the games. I’m sure when he came in he wouldn’t have been expecting to be playing against Premiership opposition, so he’ll be looking forward to it as much as anyone.”