Kiltie: I always knew we would be fine
Morton loan forward Greg Kiltie admitted it came as a relief to secure the club’s Ladbrokes Championship status – but also insisted that he never had any doubts they would do so.
Last Saturday’s 1-0 win away at Dunfermline Athletic guaranteed that the Ton would be playing their football in Scottish football’s second tier again next term.
Killie loanee Kiltie felt the victory was invaluable as it ensured the team would avoid having their fate go right to the wire and a tense showdown with Dundee United on the final day of the campaign.
However, the 22-year-old was always confident the Ton would climb clear of trouble due to the quality of player at their disposal.
He said: “It was a huge relief after we won at Dunfermline last weekend. I think we played very well in the past three games to secure our safety.
“We were solid against Inverness and didn’t deserve to concede two goals, but we took that performance on to the Falkirk game, in which we were brilliant.
“Last weekend it was just a relief. We didn’t want to be going into the final day needing to pick up points. But I knew the boys would do it. With the quality we have in the dressing room, it was always going to happen.”
With five goals in his last six appearances, including a match-winning penalty against the Pars, Kiltie has made a huge contribution the Greenock men’s efforts to push up the table.
And the Scotland youth cap added: “I hadn’t played in a while when I arrived and it could have been easy for the gaffer to turn around after two or three games and think that I’m not up to standard.
“However, he saw potential and what I was doing in training and stuck with me – which I’m thankful for. It’s really benefitted me to get back playing games regularly.
“It’s allowed me to find my form and score some goals. Scoring goals and creating chances adds to how enjoyable it’s been. Overall, it’s been very beneficial. I’ve really enjoyed this time in my career.”
When asked about his future, he replied: “You’d need to ask Killie that! I will go back in the summer and see where it takes me. I’m really hoping to get into the team, so obviously we will just need to wait and see.”
In what may be his last appearance in the blue and white of Morton then, Kiltie and Co could clinch fifth place by recording a third consecutive victory, and he says the squad will be doing their utmost to get the required result.
He said: “The boys are up for the game and desperate to win. With the league shaping up the way it did, I don’t think anyone would’ve believed we could get fifth, so it would be brilliant get three points and finish on a high.”
Purchase a copy of Saturday’s matchday magazine for Cameron Middleton’s extended interview with Greg, in which he also discusses spot-kick success, his Ton team-mates, and expresses gratitude for the fans’ support.
Image: David Bell
