JIM DUFFY hopes his Morton stars can shine under the League One spotlight at Cappielow this evening.

The Ton take on title rivals Dunfermline in front of the television cameras as they look for another crucial three points at the top of a congested third-tier table.

With leaders Stranraer and second-placed Forfar away to Airdrie and Stirling respectively this afternoon, Duffy's side will know how the two teams above them have fared before they take to the field against the Pars.

Greenock hero Peter MacDonald could make his second Cappielow bow this evening after rejoining the club - but there will be no homecoming for Michael Tidser after the club were unable to complete his registration with Fifa.

And boss Duffy has urged his side to make the most of the occasion and add more momentum to their League One promotion push.

He said: "Every game at this stage is very important and every match has that bit of extra significance.

"We are counting them down now, whereas at the start of the season everyone is trying to suss each other out a bit.

"In the second half of the season you start to try and target situations, whether it is staying at top of the league if you are Stranraer, or you are in the chasing pack as we are.

"From our point of view, it is a case of trying to get the three points and ticking another match off. We can't worry too much about what else happens.

"It would be good to have a really positive atmosphere. With the match on the television, you want to present the game in a good light and the best way to do that is get the fans in and get them behind you.

"If you do that, it creates a positive atmosphere. If the players perform well then the fans are more likely to take that on board, but if you don't perform, then it can work the opposite way. We will enjoy the fact that the spotlight is on us and hopefully we will do ourselves justice."

Duffy last night received a major selection blow after

Morton confirmed that they will not be able to field returning star Tidser.

The midfielder has played for two clubs already this season, having turned out for 27 minutes for parent club Rotherham and then playing for Oldham on loan.

Article 5.2 of the Fifa regulations regarding the status and transfer of players states: "Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, the player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs."

Tidser completed his Cappielow return earlier this week, but he will not be eligible for the Pars clash as the club look for a solution to his registration problem.

Ton chairman Douglas Rae was instrumental in completing a deal to sign Tidser for a second time, and said: "We will continue to look at all of the options regarding Michael's future with the club and I hope we are able to reach a satisfactory outcome."