ROSS MacLean says the Morton fans’ ‘hatred’ for Falkirk manager Ray McKinnon will drive on the players today.

The Motherwell loanee was one of the many fresh faces that were brought to Cappielow by the ex-Ton manager, inset, over the summer.

But the winger was left stunned after McKinnon’s departure just three months into his tenure at Greenock.

The Morton fans were up in arms after McKinnon’s decision, reacting furiously.

MacLean says the players are excited about the fixture because of the atmosphere that will be created at Cappielow this afternoon.

He told the Tele: “I can’t wait, it’s probably the biggest game of the season. 

“The boys are all looking forward to the atmosphere from the crowd because of their hatred towards McKinnon.

“We know the atmosphere will be fiery because of what’s happened.”

However, to fully enjoy the atmosphere MacLean is hoping he will be back in the starting line-up again.

The winger was dropped by manager Jonatan Johansson after the 1-1 draw with Dunfermline last month. 

MacLean admits it was one of his poorer performances this season, and says he had no complaints about losing his place in the side.

The 21-year-old been limited to appearances from the bench since, but after impressing against Inverness Caley Thistle at the start of the month he’s hoping he’s done enough to win back his starting berth.

He added: “The manager has come in and got new ideas and freshened the team up. It’s good for all the boys but on a personal note I’ve not started the last two games.

“I had a bad game against Dunfermline, so it’s up to me to work myself back in.

“He didn’t really need to say anything after that game, we all knew it wasn’t a good enough performance. We knew he was going to freshen up the team as well as he was a new manager who had to give all the boys a chance.

“It was deserved, but it’s up to me to work myself in.  
“Losing your place in the team is part of the game, you just need to take it in your stride.

“If a new manager comes in then you just need to prove yourself to him that you should be playing. 

“It’s just the way football works, it’s a game of opinions. 
“When I came on against Inverness it was more open and it gave me a few more chances and some time to run at the defenders and hopefully I can start today against Falkirk.”