Early days, but Ton are looking in tip-top state

Roger Graham • Published 26 Jun 2009 14:00

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MORTON skipper Stewart Greacen believes the players at Cappielow are looking in excellent shape after the first week of pre-season training.

They returned from their holidays on Monday and Greacen said: 'It"s been tough. We"ve been in every day for double sessions, but the squad is looking brilliant - very fit and strong after just a few days. If you get a good pre-season it sets you up nicely for the season.'

The first team pool are off to Austria on Tuesday for a few days" training, including two games, against a German Third Division team and East European opponents as yet unnamed. They will return on Sunday. Missing out are David MacGregor, Ryan Harding and Dominic Shimmin who are all battling their way back to full fitness after long-term injuries. They will stay behind to get treatment from physio Paul Kelly.

Greacen continued: 'It"s always good to get everyone away together. Last year we went down to England, but the Austrian trip beats that. It was a bit uncertain for a while, but we are all looking forward to going now, and having a couple of games is good.'

Apparently the German side play in very similar strips to Morton"s oldest rivals St Mirren - and coincidentally have a panda as a mascot.

Neil MacFarlane is the only experienced signing for Morton so far this season and Greacen said: 'It looks at the moment as if we will be playing three at the back. We don"t really have any natural full-backs so Neil is ideal to give us cover in midfield.

'I"m sure there might be one or two more, maybe on loan, before the transfer deadline. We"ll just need to see.'

Meanwhile manager Davie Irons confirmed that the club are still 'mulling over" whether or not to offer veteran striker James Grady a further contract.

He expressed his pleasure at the state of his players" fitness and commented: 'We"re back a bit earlier than some clubs, but I"m really pleased with the players" condition and we"ve got some quality work done this week.'

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 26 Jun 09

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