Friday, March 29, 2024
In BriefChampionship shock troops Morton are no surprise to Hibs boss Alan Stubbs

Championship shock troops Morton are no surprise to Hibs boss Alan Stubbs

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

Hibernian head coach Alan Stubbs insists shock playoff contenders Morton have not surprised him one bit.

Jim Duffy’s side, who were tipped for a basement battle in many quarters, are on a run of five Championship fixtures without defeat and are currently occupying fourth spot.

Alan Stubbs
Stubbs is acutely aware of Morton’s qualities

 

Stubbs witnessed the stubborn Greenock side first-hand when the Hibees claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at Easter Road in August, however it took until the 58th minute for man-of-the-moment Jason Cummings to grab the decisive goal of the game.

Ahead of the return fixture at Cappielow this weekend, Stubbs reserved particular praise for nine-goal striker Denny Johnstone and warned his players that Morton will be a major threat as Hibs target their 15th win from 16 outings.

“My opinion hasn’t changed from when we played them at Easter Road, when I thought they were a well organised outfit,” said Stubbs. “I knew they were going to get results in this division.

“The fact they are sitting fourth on 23 points doesn’t surprise me at all. They have a goal threat up front with Denny Johnstone and some good players in and around the midfield area.

“Morton have energy down the flanks and it is going to be a really tough game for us going over to Cappielow.

“However, given the form we are in, I don’t think anyone will be looking forward to playing us.”

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