JIM DUFFY has called on his players to sharpen up ahead of the League Cup first-round tie against Elgin City at Cappielow today.

Morton were three down to Dumbarton in last week’s Petrofac Training Cup showdown before they pulled back two late goals as they crashed out of the competition.

Now Duffy wants his players to shake off their ring rust and make sure they avoid a repeat.

“We’ve got to improve our concentration in all aspects of the game,” he said. “We lost concentration at crucial times.

“For their second goal, we had a free-kick at the edge of their box, and a few seconds later we lose a goal, so that tells you it’s concentration that’s the issue.

“It’s moments like that where we’ve got to be switched on, so hopefully the players will recognise that and we’ll be a bit sharper in all departments come the game against Elgin.”

Duffy is emphasising to his players that they must treat their League Two opponents with the same respect they would afford any side they will face in this year’s Championship as he looks to build momentum for the tough league campaign ahead.

“I don’t look at the division that the club are in because I’ve been around long enough and been involved in enough cup upsets to know that it doesn’t always pan out the way you’d expect,” he warned.

“From our point of view, it’s a case of just getting on with the game and trying to do the best we can.

“We’re not looking at this as preparation for the league season, because then that means you’re not treating it with the importance you should.

“We’re going to try to win the game and get a bit of belief, a bit of optimism. These are the things you’re searching for at the start of a campaign and the best way to get these things is by winning games.”

Duffy has secured former Celtic youth striker Denny Johnstone on loan from Birmingham, while former PSV Eindhoven forward Romario Sabajo has signed until January.

And a third frontman – Australia-born 21-year-old Chris Duggan – is continuing his trial with the Greenock outfit having been released by Premiership Partick Thistle.

Duggan was last season on loan to Dumbarton in the Championship having had previous spells with Forfar Athletic and Queen’s Park.

Duffy added: “We need competition for places and we need strength in depth if we have injuries during the game as we did last week. We’re actively looking to do that, but good players are few and far between.

“We’ve got central defender Frank McKeown injured, Michael Tidser missed the game last week while Joe McKee and Thomas O’Ware were crocked during the game, so they’ll definitely still be missing today. I’d say Peter MacDonald is 50/50 after going over on an ankle.

“Ricki Lamie and Michael Miller are back after suspension, so they’ll be in the squad.”