STRIKER Denny Johnstone is likely to feature in Morton’s first Reserve League game against Falkirk tomorrow as he continues his recovery bid.

Johnstone has been out injured since earlier this year with a knee injury.

The former St Johnstone forward had to have an operation to help the injury recover and he started full training earlier this week.

His training has so far been limited, but manager Ray McKinnon hopes to have him fully fit by the end of the month.

McKinnon told the Tele: “Denny Johnstone trained on Thursday, so that was really positive news. 

“He can play in the Reserve League game on Monday. 

“It’s another boost for the team.”

McKinnon says the Reserve League is a great idea for Scottish football — and will be a big plus for Morton. The new-look competition, which replaces the under-20 leagues that were in place previously, will begin with the Ton heading to face the Bairns at the Falkirk Stadium.

McKinnon will watch on as John Sutton begins life as the head of development squad.

The former Dundee United boss believes it gives young players a clearer pathway to the first team, and makes games at that level more competitive, giving him a better idea who can make the step-up.

He said: “I think it’s a great idea. It’s ideal for me because if we have three or four players that haven’t played at the weekend, they’ll play on Monday or Tuesday.

“It will be great for the young players to play with a standard of player that they can learn from them. 

“It also makes the young players have to fight hard to get into that reserve team, they will have to really up their game.

“So there’s a knock-on effect all the way down. People should merit their places in the team and that will be the same for young players at the club. 

“These lads have to become men at some point, and if they want to compete and play in the first team they have to prove they can play against good players in the reserves.

"That will be a good barometer for me to see if they are able to come into my team.”

It also provides the Ton boss with a chance to ease his players back into competitive games.

McKinnon says young players have to earn the right to play in the first team, and this competition gives them a chance to shine and show what they’re capable of.

He added: “I am 100 per cent of the belief that you have to earn your right to be in the first team, you shouldn’t be getting in just for the sake of numbers. It will be good for the club, but it now gives you a clear pathway to be able to prove your worth to get into the first 
team.”