MORTON manager Jonatan Johansson says his new-look attack will only grow in confidence after their goalless draw against Ayr United.

The Ton were held to a stalemate at Cappielow on Saturday, with limited chances for both teams throughout the 90 minutes.

Ayr came closest to breaking the deadlock, with Rangers loanee goalkeeper Robby McCrorie pulling off a fantastic double save in the first half and Lawrence Shankland hitting the post late on as well. But there were positive signs for the Greenock side in the second half, with Keelan O’Connell in particular impressing off the bench.

The Ton boss said some of the players brought in during January have only been playing reserve team football up until now, and he believes he will only get better as the season goes on.

He told the Tele: “I felt on Saturday against a tough side, you have to give credit where it’s due, we kept a clean sheet at home.

“But you have to make the defence solid at first. It will definitely come, we have the players that can create chances and can score goals.

“You have to remember Keelan has only played reserve football down south, Greg Kiltie has played reserve football for most of the season and so has Andy Dallas.

“Every game will make them stronger and better and that’s what happens when you take young players on loan, you know they will take a few games to get up to speed, but I think they’re doing really well.

“Keelan’s an exciting young player. He’s still a bit small as you can see, if he gets against you one-on-one he’s a very good player.

“He’s quick and I think he will be a really good player for us from now until the end of the season.”

Ayr United have caused Morton a number of problems this season, inflicting two heavy defeats at the start of the season in the Betfred Cup and the Championship.

They’re also the highest scoring side in the league this year, and sitting second in the table.

Johansson was delighted to keep a clean sheet against such a potent attacking threat.

He added: “I’m happy with the performance in defence and from the whole team from front to back.

“The work ethic was good and our shape was good, and I think both teams cancelled each other out and a draw was probably a fair result in the end.

“If we had a little bit more quality we could have nicked it but overall I am pleased.

“These are two strikers that have caused some teams a lot of trouble in the league, they play direct and to their strengths, and I’m pleased with us in the second half as they kept them quiet.”