BRIAN McLean says he and his team-mates stood up and showed the real Morton during their vital win at Arbroath on Saturday.

The experienced centre-half was proud of the way his side showed that they could bounce back from the disappointing defeat to Partick Thistle, as they kept themselves firmly in the pack. He has backed them to use the win as a platform to kick on ahead of Saturday’s crucial game against Dunfermline.

He told the Tele: “It was a good team performance and it’s ironic that it’s our second consecutive away win as well if you think about it. It was a big game for us, that we knew we had to go and win, so thankfully we galvanised ourselves and came back down the road with three points.

“The Partick Thistle result was a big blow for us, especially with our track record at home. There was a lot of disappointment leading up to the game at the weekend because we knew that we were a shadow of what we could be like against Thistle.

“Even though I wasn’t stripped and part of that game, it was so frustrating for everyone in the dressing room.

“I think Saturday’s game showed us that we can produce the response that’s needed, even from the subs who came on and made an impact on the game, which was a priority for us.

“We’ve spoken about it, and we felt comfortable during the game and we felt as if they never really troubled us.

“Okay, Danny [Rogers] has had an outstanding save to make right at the death, but everything was played in front of us and we were able to deal with what they gave us with ease. It was a good afternoon from us.

“It was an opportunity for me to show what I can do.”

The centre-half admitted that he knew he had to make a big impact after being left out of the side for so long and he hopes that after an impressive return to the side, he can continue to contribute and help Ton push up the table.

He said: “Obviously I know what it’s like at the other end, when Pete [Peter Grant] has been playing and I’ve been missing out, but that’s just the way that football works. I’ve waited a long time to come back in and when I did against Arbroath last time at Cappielow I was unfortunate enough to come away with an injury. I’ve been fit for a few weeks now, so it was refreshing to be back in and amongst the starting 11 and I’m just glad that I was able to help the team get three points.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are, you’ve got to stake your claim and prove that you shouldn’t be dropped.

“You’ve just got to go on with a cool head and have a certain thing in your mind that you’re going to help and contribute to the team and do your duties to the best of your ability.

“I hope I can do that for the rest of the season.”