The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Morris aims to teach his net-savvy mate a lesson
Pars captain relishing battle with former Pars striker Reilly
Dunfermline captain Callum Morris has revealed that Gavin Reilly left him toiling in the classroom.
Tonight, however, he is determined to be the one teaching his mate a lesson as the St Mirren bandwagon rolls into Fife.
The duo remain firm friends following Reilly’s ultimately unsuccessful loan stint with the Pars last term and recently embarked on an IT course organised by players’ union PFA Scotland as they sensibly begin to prepare for life after football.
Indeed, the Buddies’ 21-goal marksman proved as adept on the net as he is at finding the net.
“Gav is a really good lad and I still speak to him,” smiled Morris.
“I was actually on a course with him over the last few weeks. It was an IT class – not the most exciting to be honest – that was organised by the PFA. A few boys were on it – myself, Gav, John Rankin and a few other players.
“Gav was really decent, to be fair, I think he must be a Playstation addict or something like that. He was putting a few of the boys to shame. There were some real strugglers in there, but I’ll not name them.
“Scottish football is a small world, everyone kind of knows each other and there is a good camaraderie. It was good to catch up with Gav and a few other familiar faces. It’s all part of that transition to life after football and it’s good that the PFA put those things on.
“You can’t emphasise enough how important it is to plan ahead. This career could end tomorrow.”
In the meantime, Morris is delighted to see his pal thriving in Paisley, having endured a season to forget at Dunfermline last term, scoring just two goals.
However, friendships will be put to one side for 90 minutes in front of the television cameras.
“Gav is scoring goals for fun, which is brilliant for him,” continued Morris.
“He’s found somewhere that he fits in well and is showing what he can really do. It was unfortunate that it didn’t work out for him at Dunfermline but, it just goes to show you, sometimes you just need to find the place that fits you.
“That’s great for him – maybe not so good for us! No, it’s something I’m looking forward to, you want to test yourself against guys like Gav and Lewis Morgan and if we can put a performance in then I’m sure we can get a good result.”
Meanwhile, Allan Johnston, the Pars manager, is refusing to throw in the towel in the race for the Championship title – but concedes that tonight’s clash is effectively ‘must-win’ if they are to haul back the Buddies.
The Fifers, who crashed out of the Scottish Cup win a 2-1 defeat against Morton last weekend, trail Jack Ross’ men by 15 points, albeit they boast a game in hand.
Johnston remains adamant his side are still in the hunt for top-spot.
“We know it is a massive game. St Mirren are way ahead at the moment but it is up to us to pull them back and it would probably be right to call it a mustwin game,” said the Pars boss.