ANDY RITCHIE is confident Morton have the quality to clinch a long-awaited return to Scotland's top flight this term.

It is two decades since the Ton were competing at our highest echelon but they head into Saturday's clash with Partick Thistle aiming to open up an 11-point gap at the head of the Irn-Bru First Division standings.

Cappielow legend Ritchie said: "Michael Tidser is a good player.

"And now that they have got Peter MacDonald back again, he is a recognised goalscorer and will be a good addition to the team, especially after losing Archie Campbell to injury.

"Fouad Bachirou is a nice football player for the First Division, although he maybe doesn't get as many goals as he could.

"It has been a few years since they have been competing to get up, that has been a big disappointment to fans.

"In the last three or four years, they have got to this stage of the season and been looking at relegation rather being at the top so it is a very pleasant change.

"It is good for the supporters, they have been very loyal.

"I am sure they will turn out on Saturday and I am sure Thistle fans will as well so it should be a good game.

"I am going myself at the invite of the chairman so I am looking forward to it."