JIM Duffy has heaped praise on his side for not losing concentration against Inverness on Saturday and holding out for the three points in a 1-0 win.

Morton were outstanding in the first half against the Highland outfit and should have been out of sight by the half-time whistle after Gary Harkins had opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

Visiting goalkeeper Mark Ridgers was in fine form and kept his side in the game by making four or five vital saves and Duffy reserved special praise for the former St Mirren man for his performance.

But it was his own players who earned their gaffer’s plaudits for remaining composed and concentrated because, in the Championship, all it takes is one lapse in concentration to throw away points.

Duffy said: “At 11 vs 11 we were superb. If it wasn’t for Mark Ridgers in goal it could have been more because he had three or four unbelievable saves. We also hit the woodwork and had one cleared off the line.

“We started the game terrifically well and for the first 40 minutes we were outstanding. 

“Then like everything else in football you don’t get that second goal and things get a wee bit scrappy but, although we weren’t as fluid in the second half, we still put in a good few crosses and the concentration was excellent.

“We didn’t allow Inverness back into the game and that was very important. Their attitude and work ethic made it vital that we stayed focused. 

“It’s easy to make one silly error and we didn’t do that.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the result because in this division any three points is welcome.”

Ton midfield man Michael Tidser was also given a pat on the back by his manager for making his 200th appearance in a blue and white hooped shirt over his two spells at Cappielow.

The 27-year-old has been in Greenock for a combined total of six years and his manager was full of superlatives to describe both the milestone and the player himself - who had a decent showing in the middle alongside match-winner Harkins.

He added: “It was Michael’s 200th appearance for the club and that is fantastic. It’s a great achievement and I thought he played very well. 

“He’s been out with injury for a few weeks but he’s a terrific footballer and he and Gary Harkins really got on the ball and were very creative.”