JONATAN Johansson says it’s ‘unlikely’ he will have an assistant coach in place before the Dundee United game.

The Ton head to Tannadice tomorrow and the Finn looks set to take charge on his own in the dugout for his first game as a manager.

The 43-year-old said discussions were ongoing with potential candidates, but he insists his main priority at the moment is getting the team prepared for their trip to Dundee.

When asked if he is likely to have an assistant before the Dundee United game, he told the Tele: “No. It’s unlikely, you never know though.

“We’re closer but the process is still on going, and I don’t want to take any focus off the game as well. 

“The focus for me is on the game, of course I’m working on it and something will happen soon.”

The former Rangers and Finnish national team assistant coach played numerous times at Tannadice as a player for the Ibrox outfit, Hibs and St Johnstone over the years.

But the striker never scored against United at their home ground, and the boss said it was likely to be one of the toughest games Morton have all season.

He added: “I’m very excited, it’s a very difficult trip against a very good side. It’s a proper challenge for us.

“It’s not an easy start but I’m looking forward to it. We want to be positive and to challenge in this league. 

“This is one of the toughest games we have and I’m very much looking forward to it.

“It’s a great football stadium, it’s old-fashioned and usually there’s a big home support. As a player I found it a tough place to go.

“I want my players to be lifted by that. The bigger the challenge the better we are and the bigger the enthusiasm should be and we’re looking forward to it.

“We all go there with a very positive mindset.”

Morton are also looking for a replacement head of performance after Graeme Henderson’s departure.

A club spokesperson told the Tele: “Graeme Henderson has resigned but we can’t comment any further due to legal proceedings.”

Johansson hopes to also find a replacement for Henderson, pictured, but said that was also something he would worry about after the United game.

He also added he is unlikely to add any players to his squad before January.

While the transfer window is closed, Scottish clubs are still allowed to sign free agents.

He said: “That’s also something we’re looking to do [bring in a head of performance], and is in the process and about getting the right persons in place.

“We’re looking for improvements and longer term improvements and getting everything right, the main thing is getting everything right in terms of an assistant and a sports scientist.

“The window is closed, and that aside we’ve got a very competitive and big squad.

“I want to work with this squad and hopefully improve it and we’ll take it from there.”