Skipper Lee Kilday determined to be fit for semi-final showdown with Aberdeen
Morton captain Lee Kilday hopes he has timed his return to fitness perfectly ahead of the Betfred Cup clash with Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Saturday.
The 24-year-old defender has missed a month of action after picking up an ankle injury against Dunfermline, but is back training as the Greenock club prepare for their first semi-final appearance in the competition since they lost to the Pittodrie club in 1979.
It is also the Ton's first last-four appearance in any major cup competition since they lost to Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final in 1981.
And, after watching his team-mates hammer Queen of the South 5-0 in the Championship at the weekend, Kilday, who joined Morton from Hamilton in 2014, is keeping his fingers crossed.
He said: "I hope to be playing, that is obviously the gaffer's decision, but I feel fit enough.
"Since I came to Morton I have basically played every game.
"This is the only time I have been injured and we are at a semi-final, so it will be very disappointing if I don't play.
"But the boys have been playing well, so I can't really complain if I don't play.
"The boys were brilliant last week. Obviously I was in the stand watching it and they were magnificent, probably our best performance of the season.
"So to drop anyone out of the team would be a blow for them, although Ross (Forbes) is suspended which opens a space up.
"But Gavin (Gunning) is back fit as well now, so I just need to wait to see what the team is."
Defender Ricki Lamie could return for Morton, but knee problems have definitely ruled out midfielders Michael Tidser and Conor Pepper.
Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack accepts he is not guaranteed to reclaim his place despite declaring himself fit for the semi-final.
The midfielder has been out for more than two months following knee surgery but rejoined Derek McInnes' squad earlier this week and is desperate to take on Jim Duffy's men.
But the 24-year-old knows he will have a fight on his hands to dislodge the likes of in-form colleagues Graeme Shinnie, Kenny McLean and James Maddison after watching the side rack up back-to-back 4-0 wins over Kilmarnock and Ross County.
Jack said: "You start the season feeling fit and strong after pre-season and I felt my form was going well, so to get a setback like I did was frustrating.
"I just had to get my head right. I've got good people around me to help me do that. Now I'm back and feeling strong again.
"It was the right decision to get it fixed when I did. If I hadn't it could have gone on to become something more serious and then I'd end up being out for a long time.
"It's early days still, though. I only started training on Monday. Even though I've been doing fitness work with my rehab, it has been about getting back into full contact and seeing how my knee reacts.
"I spoke to the surgeon on Tuesday, though, and he said I was fine to continue.
"I'm just delighted to be travelling down for the game and we will take it from there.
"The team is on a great run and I'm just back from injury so I accept it might take a bit of time to get myself back in.
"I look at the quality we have in the team and on the bench and there are no guarantees for anybody. But that's the way you want it to be."
Defender Ash Taylor remains a doubt after tweaking his thigh in last week's win over Ross County.
Source: PAR
