WHILE Ayr United’s high-flying start in the Championship has been a surprise to many, it’s not shocked Morton manager Jonatan Johansson.

The Honest Men are the Ton’s weekend opponents at Cappielow and sit at the top of the table after six games in their first season back in the division after being promoted from League One last term.

Ian McCall’s side were also the only team outside the Premiership to reach the Betfred Cup quarter-finals and they beat Morton 3-1 in the group stage of the competition back in July.

But were knocked out this week after a 4-0 loss to Rangers.
The Ton boss and assistant Peter Houston were at Ibrox on Wednesday to see Ayr in action.

While many outsiders have been surprised to see the Somerset Park outfit doing so well, Johansson says the players’ hard work has made them the standout side so far in the league.

He told the Tele: “Teams are always going to set up a little differently than they normally do against Rangers but the shape was still there.

“They were very well organised in the 4-4-2, waiting for their opponents to make a mistake and then hitting them quickly.

“Ayr are direct but clever, they’re good at supporting each other and get a lot of second balls. They do all the basic things really well and that’s why they’re top of the league.

“Tiredness might be a possibility, but they can work around that as well. I don’t think it’s a big thing, players are used to playing two or three times a week nowadays.

“Going forward their main threat is [Lawrence] Shankland, he’s scored a lot of goals this year. He looks fit and his movement has been good, he’s a very good finisher and I know he was here before.

“Their midfield is very experienced, and the wingers come in and support the strikers. It’s no surprise they’re top of the league.”

Two players who won’t feature for Morton tomorrow are Lewis Strapp and Ruaridh Langan, who moved on loan to League Two side Annan Athletic on Thursday.

The pair will remain with the Galabankies until January, but will continue to train during the week at Parklea with Ton.

The loan window closes on Sunday, and the manager revealed more of the club’s youngsters may head out on loan before then.

Johansson added: “A few more may do, possibly, but there are only a few days left in the window. I think it was important for these two to go out on loan.

“It’s good for the young players who are on the fringe coming back from injury or looking to get games from now until January.

“I didn’t want to lose these players but I wanted to see them play. 

“I don’t want to keep them in the squad if they have a chance to play, and they will be with us during the week.

“I know youth and player development is very important and I hope they both come back much stronger and better players. It’s a fantastic chance for both of them to play some first team football and develop and add to the squad in January and have a real go at it then.”