by Stuart Gillespie

Like Saints, Morton have undergone a number of changes during the summer thanks to a change of manager. James Grady was let go at the end of last season and in his place came Stirling Albion's Allan Moore, who managed three promotions during his lengthy spell in charge of the Binos.

Moore, who had a short stint with Morton during his playing days, is a highly rated manager and it will be interesting to see how he'll do with a full time team. Since winning the Second Division in 2007, Morton have spent the last three seasons battling at the wrong end of the table under the likes of Grady, Jim McInally and Davie Irons and they will be hoping Moore's appointment will help push them up the table.

The Morton attack tomorrow night is likely to be spearheaded by Stewart Kean, a summer signing from Queen of the South. The striker was with Saints for three-and-a-half years, winning the First Division and League Challenge Cup with the Club during the 2005-2006 season. He had a decent record against Morton in cup competitions during his time at the Club as he scored the decisive penalty in the Challenge Cup semi-final and also scored in the Renfrewshire Cup final a few months later.

Kean isn't the only addition to the striking options over the last few months, with Ballymena United's Kevin Kilbie also joining the club. Other players to move to Cappielow this summer include David O'Brien - who joins manager Moore in making the move from Forthbank - Airdrie United defender Marc Smyth and Dunfermline midfielder Derek Holmes. French midfielder Fouad Bachirou could turn out to be a good signing and includes PSG among his list of former clubs.

This match has been a regular summer fixture since 2003 and the first three pre-season finals were all won by Morton. However, since being promoted to the SPL it's Saints who have emerged the victors. Last year's game was the first Renfrewshire derby at Greenhill Road and a double from Andy Dorman was enough for the trophy to remain in Paisley. Tomorrow's game has an added incentive as the winners will become the most successful club in the Renfrewshire Cup's history.

It's now over 10 years since the clubs met on league business although they've met in the cups since then. As well as the League Challenge Cup victory mentioned above, Saints also recorded a dramatic League Cup success at Cappielow in 2002 as they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in extra-time thanks to a wonder goal from Mark Yardley, who seemed to relish the prospect of scoring in the Renfrewshire derby.

With this game being Saints' most competitive so far, Danny Lennon is likely to opt for his strongest line-up - one that could give an indication as to how his team will start in the first few weeks of the season. With Paul McQuade and Marc McAusland picking up injuries in last week's game against Brechin, and Lee Mair still out injured, his options are limited slightly, but he should still be able to put out a relatively strong team.

David van Zanten had a short spell with Morton last season and will look forward to facing his former employers, while Steven Robb and Michael Higdon will be hoping to continue their decent run of form in the friendlies. It will also be the first time a number of players, including Darren McGregor and Jure Travner, will experience the unique atmosphere of the Renfrewshire derby.

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