WINGER Cameron Salkeld insists Morton didn’t deserve to be on the end of a four-goal defeat against Motherwell.

The Englishman believes losing Brian McLean in the second half was the turning point in the Betfred Cup Group E clash as the change forced David Hopkin to reshuffle his defence.

Salkeld, who replaced the injured defender, below, is keen to put Friday’s woes behind him and fire the Ton into the knockout stages of the competition — starting with a positive result against Annan tonight.

He told the Tele: “Losing Brian to injury killed us a bit as in the first half we didn’t do a lot wrong and then we had to massively change our shape from that point.

“Personally, the scoreline didn’t reflect the game at all. 

“I think they were flattered by it in the end and we at least deserved to score with the chances we created.

“We looked fit and competed for the full 90 minutes which is a positive that we can take into the coming games.

“Obviously we only had the two friendlies against Forfar and St Johnstone, so they were really just to get to know each other.

“Now we’ve played Dumbarton and Motherwell so we want to do well in these games and we want to progress to the next stage and do well for the club.

“I think if we play well against Annan and pick up a win and get at least a point against Queen of the South it gives us a really good chance of going through.

“These matches are kind of still like pre-season games. I’m only 20 so I’m still learning the game with the new roles that the manager wants me to play and we’re still learning the way that each other plays and we’re still bonding so we can only improve.

“I’m just looking forward to getting going in the league now away to Ayr.”

Salkeld praised the Ton fans, who have turned out in good numbers for the Betfred Cup games, and hopes that they see him improve under David Hopkin, pictured.

He added: “The gaffer has been brilliant. The aim is to kick on and hopefully the gaffer and Anton [McElhone] can drive me on to the next stage of my career.

“Morton can be a good platform to do that. I’ve loved every minute here, the fans are brilliant and it’s clear to see that they have the interests of the club at heart and so do I.

“I know it sounds cliché but I’m wanting to give 110 per cent every game and that’s all they’re asking for.

“I’ve got a great respect for them for doing that, so I want to give them that week in, week out.”