Morris backed to put mistake behind him

Allan Johnston has backed skipper Callum Morris to shake off his weekend blunder and star for Dunfermline in tomorrow’s top-ofthe-table clash with St Mirren.

The defender was woefully short with a header back to keeper Sean Murdoch that allowed Robert Thomson to spark Morton’s comeback from two goals down to win 3-2 last Saturday.

It was a key moment just a minute into the second-half, and the 27-year-old was quick to apologise to team-mates for a costly mistake that contributed to the Pars losing top spot in the Championship.

However, Johnston is adamant Morris will shrug off the disappointment in time for the visit of new leaders St Mirren.

He said: “Callum has probably been one of the best players this season.

“He’s got everything to play at a higher level.

“He’s got pace, he’s a top player, he’s the captain, a good talker and organiser.

“It’s not like Callum to make mistakes like that, but it happens sometimes. Even the best players in the world make mistakes,” he said.

“It’s how you react to that, how you respond, and that’s the same for the whole team.

“As a team we’ve got to deal with it better. You can’t afford to panic if you make a mistake. “It’s part and parcel of football. “We’re a young team and we’re still learning, and we’re looking forward to getting back out there in a game where we can go top of the league.”

Johnston has pinpointed onform St Mirren winger Lewis Morgan as Dunfermline’s biggest threat as they bid to maintain an unbeaten home record that has seen them score 21 goals in just five home games.

However, with Pars attacker Joe Cardle netting his ninth in 11 games last weekend, the Fifers boss insists they have plenty to worry the Buddies also.

Johnston revealed full-back Jason Talbot has recovered from the head injury he received at Cappielow to make himself available.

We’re a young team and we’re still learning. ALLAN JOHNSTON