Jim Duffy knows that his Morton players won’t need any motivational team-talk before tonight’s massive Renfrewshire derby clash.

In fact, it may be the case that he will have to calm them down.

The game represents the first league meeting between the local rivals for over 15 years, and excitement among the fans is reaching fever pitch.

“The players won’t need geed up for the game,” he said.

“If anything I’ll be trying to make sure they stay calm and don’t get caught up in the hype surrounding the fixture.

“I’ve been involved in more than a few derby matches over the years, and you’ve got to try and balance it between not getting too carried away with the atmosphere, because then you can lose focus and you won’t be thinking clearly, and feeding off it as well.

“It’s important not to get caught up in all the energy around the game, and maintain a bit of composure in your play.

“Normally it’s the team that can keep their composure better that come out on top, and I’ll be stressing that to the players.”

Both sides go into the huge clash without a win to their names in their opening two Championship fixtures.

Duffy isn’t concerned about Morton’s form though, and feels that tonight presents a perfect opportunity to break their duck.

He said: “Our two performances so far have been good against Hibs and Falkirk, two sides that you would expect to be challenging up at the top of the table.

“We’ve acquitted ourselves well in both games and are a little disappointed only to have one point to show for our performances, but it’s all about winning.

“We want to get winning as quickly as possible, and there wouldn’t be a better time than the derby on Friday.

“St Mirren are in a similar boat, they’ve lost their first two games so they’ll be desperate to put things right on Friday.”

Meanwhile, Morton’s on-loan Rangers defender Luca Gasparotto says that he can’t wait to sample the derby atmosphere.

“Coming in, I didn’t really know much about the Renfrewshire derby, but I’ve talked to a few guys in the changing room and they’ve told me about it,” he said.

“They’ve told me it’s a big occasion, a big game, so I’m really looking forward to actually playing in it.

“It’s on TV and there will be a great atmosphere.

“I know the fans will be great, so I’m really looking forward to it and just can’t wait until Friday night now.”