MORTON midfielder Mark Russell has revealed he was spurred on by pals stood on the terraces on Saturday but not in the usual way — as they were all amongst the St Mirren support.

Russell was handed a surprise start at left midfield in Saturday’s Renfrewshire derby after a hugely impressive showing there in last Monday’s 13-1 thrashing of Viewfield Rovers.

The Paisley-born 18-year-old was thrilled to be involved against his home-town team even though his pals’ heroes had the last laugh by lifting the trophy with a 1-0 victory.

He told the Tele: “I was delighted to start. I was told I would be starting on Friday and I was just delighted.

“I’m actually from Paisley, and a lot of my pals were down watching — but they were in the St Mirren end behind the goal. I didn’t hear any individual shouts to be honest, but I knew they were there.

“It was a good game to play in, a higher tempo than usual and really hard.

“They treat it as a competitive game and so do we, so it was nothing like a friendly.

“I enjoyed playing in midfield again. I played at left-back a lot last season, but playing there you can get at people a lot more and I prefer that.

“Overall, it was a great game to be involved in and I think it really sets us up for the season and our game against Spartans next week.” Meanwhile, former St Mirren youth Jon Scullion is expected to sign for Morton today, the Tele understands.

The 19-year-old forward has been on trial with the Cappielow club over the course of pre-season, scoring the final goal in the 13-1 Renfrewshire Cup semi-final rout of Viewfield.