RORY IS TON’S RAY OF LIGHT

RAY McKINNON was last night reunited with leftback Rory McKeown and may pitch him straight into today’s curtain-raiser.

The 25-year-old, last with non-league Southend, played with McKinnon at Raith Rovers two years ago and the Cappielow boss is pleased to have landed him on a one-year deal.

He said “We’re absolutely delighted to have Rory on board because we were looking at that area after Lewis Strapp got injured.

“He’s a solid pro, a proven Northern Ireland Under-21 international who is an excellent full-back and gives us good cover at left-back and centre-half.

“If we can get clearance he will be involved in the match-day squad against Queen of the South.”

McKinnon has made 12 summer signings and believes Ton are beginning to come together as a team. He added: “There’s been steady improvement in the squad which you expect from a team that’s just come together.

“They’re all learning about each other so we’ve been quite happy with the improvement. That’s been a real bonus over the last four games.”

Queen of the South manager Gary Naysmith is expecting a tough opening fixture.

He said: “I’ve played Morton seven times since I’ve been manager here and it’s three wins apiece and a draw. So over the 18 months I’ve been here there’s been nothing between the teams.

“Ray’s had to rebuild his squad from Jim Duffy. He’s brought in his own players and it’s a completely different squad than we’re used to facing.”