Manager on Friday

23/10/09: We have a run of four games coming up; three at home and a derby and it really is key that we pick up home wins especially after two good away points.

Jim McIntyre gave an update this lunchtime. He has Stephen Glass back in training but not yet ready for match action; Scott Muirhead has had an injection this week that he hopes will accelerate recovery from a back injury; Nick Phinn returned to training on Thursday after his injury last Saturday and most of the players who have not played full games of late played in the closed doors friendly against St Johnstone.

The game ended in a 3-3 draw but the Manager was pleased with the exercise that gave games to Graeme Holmes, David Graham, Steven Bell, Stephen McDougall, Joe Cardle, Chris Higgins, Austin McCann and Harry McGregor.

"We try to organise a bounce game whenever we don't have a reserve game; it keeps the match sharpness up."

The Pars gaffer described Saturday's opponents Morton as very difficult and stressed that they are not what you could say 'struggling':-

"They have lost their last two but they deserved to beat Dundee. We had the game scouted and they were definitely the better team and deserved to win. They didn't play well in the game before that but in the two before that we they won - they have definitely got their confidence back and will take the confidence out of last week's game having played well.

"There is to be an announcement in the middle of next week about who is getting the manager's job and James (Grady) and Alan (McManus) are in with a shout. A good result for them could get them the job. That makes them very dangerous opposition.

"James is a friend of mine and I do hope that he does get the job but not at the expense of us getting the three points. We have a run of four games coming up; three at home and a derby and it really is key that we pick up home wins especially after two good away points. We need to take the confidence of winning against Ayr at home two weeks ago into our match on Saturday.

"You know what you are going to get with Morton; you are going to be in a battle first and foremost. We have to win that first, then hopefully on the day we are better players. Morton have some very good players, it will be a hard game because it is never easy against Morton. They have a physical presence with a lot of height in their team that will make them dangerous at setpieces."