Striker McManus started yesterday’s friendly against Hungary in Tatabanya, playing the opening 45 minutes of the 2-1 win as he claimed his second cap.

With that international involvement coming just 48 hours before Saturday’s League One fixture at East End Park, there were doubts surrounding his availability.

But Duffy revealed the 20-year-old, who has scored five goals in his last six matches for Morton, is due to jet home today and should be involved against the Pars tomorrow depending on his fitness.

The Ton boss told the Tele: “Declan started and got 45 minutes so there are things for us to consider there.

“There are obviously elements of travelling back from Hungary, and it’s common sense we’ll have to look at that aspect.

“We’ll also speak to the player and see how he feels, because international football is a different type of football: you normally play with a lone striker, so he might have to do a lot more work.

“Again we understand he’s a young player, but if it has affected him in terms of a bit of sharpness, it’s something we’ll have to look at.

“Until such times as he flies back and we have a wee chat with him, we’ll not really have an indication of how he is. That’ll probably not be until tomorrow morning.

“The first thing for me is I want him to have done well and the next thing is I want to make sure he’s not injured.

“If we get those two things we’ll check his fitness levels, but he’s a vital player for us, so unless he’s injured, he’ll 100 per cent be in the squad.

“It’s not ideal for us, but at the end of the day the boy’s getting an opportunity for to play for his country. It’s a great education for Declan and I’m delighted for him.

“I think it’s also a great compliment to Morton, because coming here and getting regular first-team opportunities have given him the platform to get involved at international level.” Ton travel through to Fife looking to pick up three precious points in what now looks like a three-way fight for the title with Stranraer and Forfar.

However, Dunfermline are a side in desperate need of a win to close the gap on Brechin and boost their play-off hopes, and Greenock gaffer Duffy is expecting an edgy affair tomorrow afternoon.

He added: “It will be a highly tense game and another one where the stakes are very high for both teams.

“At this stage of the season it’s about going there and understanding the importance of the match but also trying to keep it within a level of perspective.

“You can’t let it overwhelm you. You need to appreciate the importance of it but try to make sure you stay concentrated and do your job on the pitch.

“What’s required is to be at your very best and play to your best.

“We’ve got to match other performances we’ve had this season and see if that’s good enough on the day to get the points.”