Time to be tough

Roger Graham • Published 5 Mar 2010 14:00 0 Comments

MORTON boss James Grady would not be drawn on whether or not changes will be made for tomorrow's key match at Somerset Park against Ayr, but whatever the final selection they will be under no illusions about what is required.

After a very disappointing display in their 2-1 defeat by Dunfermline at Cappielow last Saturday, the Greenock men are fully aware that a repeat is simply not acceptable.

Grady said: "Every game matters, but this is a big game. They are trying to catch up with us and we have to be mentally tough.

"We may believe we are a better side than they are, but we have to prove it.

"We have had too many false dawns. It tells you a lot about the players.

"We know they have ability, because they have shown it. But they have to take the next step and play to these standards consistently. Can they do that? It's down to mental toughness.

"We've gone over what went wrong. You try to isolate it. Was it one person failing to do something which caused a chain reaction? Did anyone do what they were supposed to?

"The team tomorrow will be one picked on the basis of who can go out and beat Ayr United. We have tried different personnel and that hasn't worked, but if that is what is needed that's what will happen."

Asked if, for example, Neil MacFarlane - out of the picture recently - might come back in, Grady said: "He has never been out of the reckoning.

"No one is out of the squad for any reason other than football ones."

Once the line-up is determined, Morton will be going out to win the game. As Grady said: "A draw would be better for us than for them, but we are not the type of team who can go and play for a draw.

"We have to be positive, try and enforce our game plan and work hard to earn the right to play."

Last time round at Ayr, it was a Peter Weatherson double which saw off the home side. Ton fans will be hoping he can do the business for them again tomorrow - with a little help from his friends.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 05 Mar 10

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