MORTON manager Ray McKinnon says first-team players involved in the Ton’s reserve fixture this week won’t start against Ross County today.

Denny Johnstone, Robert Thomson and Scott Tiffoney, left, all featured from the start in the Ton’s 3-0 win over Falkirk Reserves on Monday.

Johnstone grabbed two goals, while Thomson and Tiffoney also impressed, with Derek Gaston also looking good in goal for John Sutton’s reserve team.

But the Ton boss says Thomson, Tiffoney or Johnstone won’t be ready to start against the Staggies at Cappielow.

He told the Tele: “The reserve game was a good workout for our players. They all need games and to build up their match fitness and it was really good for them, they’re not there yet though. 

“We need to be patient with this group. 

“They’ll all probably play against Hibs on Monday and we just need to keep working away on that.

“None of Denny, Robert Thomson or Tiffoney will be ready to start. I wouldn’t put them in that position as they’re not ready.

“I would never do that to them. “On the bench maybe, but to start games, no.”

Meanwhile Lewis Strapp has returned to training this week, after breaking his toe against Stenhousemuir last month.

McKinnon added: “Strappy is back in training but it’s not full contact as such just yet.

“He’s maybe two or three weeks away and he’s missed four or five weeks now and it’s just part of being a football player now.”