MORTON’S Robert Thomson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after the striker suffered a reoccurrence of an old injury.

The forward’s season has been disrupted by an ongoing problem with a groin and stomach injury, seeing him feature 17 times this campaign.

The 25-year-old suffered the injury last season, and had to have an operation to help fix the issue, but the player said it never fully healed, and he was having to play through the pain barrier.

Thomson made a return to the team towards the end of February, but has missed the last two games against Queen of the South and Alloa Athletic.

Manager Jonatan Johansson admits it is another blow for his side, limiting his already depleted options up front.

The manager also revealed Denny Johnstone will now no longer be likely to make a return for the Ton this season.

After previously being ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a knee injury, the manager told the Tele last month he could return before the season was over.

The Finn admits he is unlikely to make it back for the Ton’s final four games as they look to fend off relegation from the Championship.

He told the Tele: “Denny Johnstone and Robert Thomson have older injuries that we’ve known about and they probably won’t be back by the end of the season.

“Robert’s been fit but it’s one of those injuries that has been bothering him and he feels like he can’t push through the pain barrier, and you have to respect the player and medical staff’s opinions on that.

“It’s unfortunate as we don’t have much height up front and it’s been like that for most of the season with Robert being out.

“We don’t have that aerial threat up front and it’s something we’ve really missed in games.

“It’s always good to have that option as well even if it’s not from the start of games.”

Rory McKeown told the Tele he is fit and raring to go after returning last week for the reserves following a two-month absence due to a calf injury.

Michael Tidser has been out with an injury as well, with Bob McHugh also sidelined with a hairline fracture in his leg.

The pair are the Ton’s top goalscorers this season, and the Cappielow boss hopes the duo will come back to help aid Morton in the run-in, but says tonight's game against Inverness Caley Thistle is likely to be too soon for both of them.

He added: “With Michael Tidser he might be coming back before the season ends. We are hopeful.

“Bob has a small chance, but it’s a fracture and it’s about the bone healing. It’s uncertain whether he will be back or not before the season is over.”