If the two clubs were in the same division, this competition would be an end of season kick-about, as it used to be. However, it's now over a decade since both ourselves and Morton could look forward to the Renfrewshire derby in the league fixtures, so it stays to generate some welcome pre-season cash. I've said numerous times it's a glorified friendly and our success in recent years hasn't changed that view one bit. I'm not really bothered if we win or lose, as long as we don't get anyone injured or suspended. On that point, it's a pretty weird game to have at this time of year - could you imagine an Old Firm derby just weeks before the season begins?
This will be our most competitive game before the new season begins a fortnight on Saturday, so it's likely Danny Lennon will go with his strongest team as he experiences the Renfrewshire derby for the first time. Quite what he feels is his strongest team is a bit of a mystery at the moment, so tomorrow night will be a good guide. Paul Gallacher will start in goals and it's likely to be a back four of David Barron, John Potter, Darren McGregor and Jure Travner. Midfield should see David van Zanten, Stephen Thomson and Steven Robb, with the other slot likely to be taken by either Hugh Murray, Garry Brady or new signing Sean Lynch. If fit, Michael Higdon and Craig Dargo will almost certainly lead the line. Marc McAusland and Paul McQuade are carrying knocks so are likely to miss out, while Lee Mair is injured.
Morton have a new manager of their own in the form of Allan Moore, who moves across from second division champions Stirling Albion. He's highly rated, the Binos wanting more than £100,000 in compensation for him when Morton tried to nab him during last season. Morton's competitive season has already started as they sneaked past Dumbarton in the League Challenge Cup yesterday afternoon. The fact they are already underway should mean their fitness levels are somewhat ahead of ours, increasing their chances of winning.
They'll be pining a lot of their hopes this season on former Saints striker Stewart Kean, who has moved from Queen of the South. Keano was fantastic for us in 2005 but has gradually gone down hill ever since, and did nothing to rectify the slide during his time at Palmerston. Irish striker Kevin Kelbie has also been brought in to boost the goal scoring breaks, while Moore has done a Lennon by raiding his former club for midfielder David O'Brien. There's plenty of other familiar faces at Cappielow, including former St. Johnstone keeper Kevin Cuthbert and ex Hearts man Neil Macfarlane.