MORTON manager Jonatan Johansson has hailed Jim McAlister as a ‘great servant’ to the club ahead of his 300th appearance.

The club captain is set to reach the landmark milestone today if he plays against East Fife in their Scottish Cup tie.

The midfielder has racked up the appearances over two spells in Greenock after returning to Cappielow last summer.

Johansson says he’s spoilt for choice in the experience department in his squad, and believes it’s been a big help to him at the start of his life as a manager.

He told the Tele: “It’s a fantastic achievement, and it just shows you what a great servant he’s been for the club.

“He’s still so fit and enthusiastic, he’s still so demanding of himself and the others and he’s been a great captain for me.

“He’s been my go-to guy when I need something done, even if it’s been something bad he’s been my go-to guy and he’s always good at waking up the squad if they need it.

“His discipline is great and it rubs off on the rest of the players. I’m happy for him and I hope there are many more appearances to come.

“We have good experience in the team. I have the Jims, the Midges [Chris Millar], the Tidsers and the Gastons. Bucky [Gregor Buchanan] and Lee Kilday have lots of experience, Bob McHugh has been around for years and that has really helped me.”

This afternoon’s opponents East Fife are currently third in League One, having won four out of their last five games.

Johansson expects a tough game at the Bayview Stadium, after having them scouted in recent weeks.

He added: “They’re one of the top teams in the league below, they had a good result at the weekend when they beat Montrose 2-0.

“We had them watched when they lost to Airdrie as well, but they’re a good side and they’ve got players that have played at this level and higher so it’s similar to the Peterhead game.

“We’ve had mostly good results on the longer journeys this year and it’s a part of the cup, I’m looking forward to it.”