MARK Russell insists he is willing to play anywhere for Morton — just as long as his name is in the starting line-up.

The left-back was used by manager Jim Duffy as a central midfielder in Saturday’s game against Queen of the South, and it was the first time he’s played in that role in a competitive match.

Russell has played in various other positions since coming through the academy back in 2013.

The 22-year-old, after being a regular starter at the beginning of the season, has been on the bench for four of Morton’s last six Championship games.

And if it means filling in a more unfamiliar role, Russell is more than happy to play wherever he is required. 

He told the Tele: “I’ve played left-back, left-midfield, right-back and now centre-midfield so there’s quite a few now.

“I’ve played left mid and left-back for most of my career but as long as I’m on the park and in the starting line-up then I’m happy.

“I was glad to get back into the side and I enjoyed playing but it wasn’t the result we wanted.”

Russell was left frustrated by the result against Queen of the South at the weekend, which all but ended Ton’s play-off hopes. The Cappielow side are now unable to catch Dundee United in third place after they picked up at 5-0 win at Glebe Park against bottom side Brechin City on Tuesday.

And if Dunfermline pick up one more point from their remaining two games against Inverness Caley Thistle and Dumbarton, Morton will be unlikely to finish above them. 

With the Pars having a superior goal difference, Morton would have to hope they slip up and then overturn a 10-goal deficit over them in their last two outings.

But the left-back is determined to end the season on a high, despite the odds being so slim of reaching the play-offs.

He added: “It was bitterly disappointing to lose the match first and foremost. All the boys are still gutted about it and getting our heads around it.

“We’re not mathematically out of it, but we need to go out and win the next two games.”

But the next game for Morton gives them a chance to pick themselves up, playing against derby rivals St Mirren on Saturday.

The Greenock side are the only team not to have been beaten by the Buddies during this campaign.

The Ton came out on top in the first derby of the season back in August, winning 4-1, before drawing the next two games.

In front of a huge crowd in the Paisley 2021 Stadium, Russell is hoping to put on a good show.

Russell said: “We’re looking forward to it as it’s a derby game and it’ll be a full house, so hopefully we can bounce back from the disappointing result tomorrow.

“We’ll go out there and put in a positive performance, hopefully we can get a result.”