Snow chaos forces Morton squad to train at Gourock Promenade ahead of tie
Morton’s preparations for today’s Scottish Cup clash with Celtic have been chaotic because of the snow, with manager Jim Duffy only able to train his players on a 20-yard square at Gourock Promenade.
A lack of available facilities left Duffy looking to get his men in shape in amongst the wind and swirling snow for an hour yesterday morning.
Duffy said: “Our training base at Parklea has been snowbound since Wednesday and indoor venues were unavailable as their staff could not get in. That is not surprising as our players were snowed in and so was I.
“I spent all my time trying to get somewhere for us to stretch our legs and get some fresh air on Friday.
“All we could do was to take the players for a bit of work at Gourock Prom as nothing else came up. It is hardly ideal before facing the strongest team in Scotland.”
Duffy was asked if the 1-0 defeat by Livingston on Tuesdaycouldturnouttobeablessing in disguise as his players would not be rusty. However he said: “It was not really that helpful as Livingston are a tough side to play against as they are physically strong. It was also our fourth game in ten days and with the half a dozen injuries we’ve been carrying we have been using the same players again and again.”
Duffy was unable to watch Celtic against Dundee on Wednesdaynightalthoughthe Greenock men are not going in totally blind. He added: “Fortunately I’ve seen about 20 of their games on TV and been at Celtic Park for a couple of their European games.
“I know them well enough and know Brendan Rodgers always puts out a side that will be viewed as strong enough to win a game. He has a long list of players available but we cannot concern ourselves too much on what Celtic do, we have to play our own game.”
New recruit John Baird is cup-tied but Luca Gasporotto could return. Jamie Mcgowan, Lee Kilday, Ross Forbes, Robert Thomson and Jai Quitongo all remain out injured.