ALLAN MOORE admits his summer signing policy could have got him the sack – but the Morton manager has backed his veteran stars to play a crucial role in the club's promotion challenge.

All the title talk of the Irn-Bru First Division so far has revolved around Dunfermline Athletic and Partick Thistle, but Moore watched his side move within two points of the league summit after a 3-1 win over Jackie McNamara's high-flying Jags.

Close-season captures Kevin Rutkiewicz and Mark McLaughlin were both on target, with fellow new arrival Martin Hardie getting a welcome late run-out as well.

Moore's side have now won five on the spin and the Greenock gaffer is pleased to see his bold moves in the transfer window paying off.

He said: "Myself and Mark McNally targeted players at the back first and foremost. People say we took a chance on big Mark McLaughlin, we did. Yes, he will pick up injuries because of his age.

"We took a chance on Rutkiewicz. We have had to pay £3000 for an operation four or five games in, but he is over his operation and you saw how good he was.

"We have taken a gamble on a couple of players and, to be honest, I could have got the sack for it because the first couple of games didn't go to plan.

"The boys over 30 were the ones that were injured and we got a bit of stick for that. Hopefully they will come good. I considered us challengers at the start of the season. If we can keep everybody fit and available then we will be up there.

"I am not saying we are better than Dunfermline or Partick Thistle, but we are certainly not any worse. They are the two teams up there at the moment and we are challenging with them."

Meanwhile, Ton's Stephen Stirling, who was stretchered off with a broken leg, was unable to have an operation yesterday because of an infection.