MORTON manager Jonatan Johansson has explained the changes he made in defence before the encounter with Ayr United.

The Ton were particularly vulnerable down the flanks in the 2-1 defeat to Dundee United a fortnight ago, and the Cappielow boss opted to move Jim McAlister to right-back against the Honest Men on Saturday. Reghan Tumilty is the only out-and-out right-sided full-back in the Morton first team squad, and he has started most of Morton’s game this season, making 28 appearances.

But Johansson opted to drop the 21-year-old after the 2-1 loss to the Tangerines, with Tumily having to settle for a place on the bench.

It was the first game the former Ross County and Falkirk man has missed since sitting out against Inverness Caley Thistle at the start of October.

McAlister has previously played at right-back and right wing-back towards the start of the season for the Ton.

While it is not his primary position, Ton boss Johansson says his versatility is a real plus.

He told the Tele: “Jim is a good player to have.

“He’s a good professional to have and I felt against Dundee United we were too easy to get at down the right-hand side, so I needed to change that and that’s why I made the change.”