Ayr made it seven points from three games under interim boss Jim Duffy to surely strengthen his chances of landing the job on a full-time basis.

James Maxwell came closest to a goal when he hit the top of the bar with a powerful shot but Morton, who ended a run of four straight league defeats, were happy with a point.

Ton chief Gus Macpherson said: “When you are on a sticky patch it is important you pick up something.

“We have played better and lost. First and foremost, it’s a clean sheet and I’ve got to be happy, but there is room for improvement.

“Ayr played well but they didn’t really work our keeper. Losing four games wasn’t nice but they were all difficult fixtures.

“We’ve now got everybody back from injury so will have a pleasant headache for selection.”

Somerset Park caretaker boss Duffy admitted it wasn’t the most entertaining game he had ever seen, with two teams cancelling each other out.