MORTON boss Jim McInally has been left bemused that Paul McGowan hasn't been called up for Scotland's Under-19 squad.

McGowan, 19, is on loan from Celtic and has played a big part in helping the Ton establish what looks an unassailable lead at the top of the Second Division.

"Yeah, it's a little bit bizarre that he's not in the squad," said McInally. "He has been excellent for us this season and has been playing first-team football - not everyone in the squad can claim to be doing that.

"It would have been a nice reward for him to get the call-up, but I don't think he's too downbeat about it.

"As it is, I'm quite happy because, as a club manager, you always worry when any of your players are on international duty and I'm certainly pleased with what he's been doing here all season."

Morton all but secured the title last weekend with their 2-1 win over Stirling Albion, but McInally says there have been no wild celebrations, nor has his squad eased up in training this week.

McInally, who was named Manager of the Month for December in the Second Division this week, said: "They are a great bunch of lads here who are always committed.

"They give 100%, whether it's in training or in a game.

"I think they feel people are watching them and, while I wouldn't go so far as to say they expect them to fail, everyone is aware what happened in recent seasons and the players are determined to keep going.

"We've played Cowdenbeath three times this season, in the cup and twice in the league, and have won each time, although they have been pretty close.

"They have the experience of David Hannah and Danny Lennon on board, so we'll need to be at our very best to get anything."