MORTON boss Davie Irons faces a goalkeeping dilemma ahead of tonight's Renfrewshire Cup Final at St Mirren.

Regular custodian Kevin Cuthbert is injured and Bryn Halliwell, who is currently without a club, has been brought in on a one-month deal as cover.

However, with just one fit senior keeper avail-able, Morton manager Davie Irons is reluctant to play the stopper for the whole game for fear he collects a knock.

"It is a bit of a problem," he said. "Bryn will play in some capacity but I haven't decided yet whether or not to go with either a trialist or one of the kids for the game.

"The obvious problem would be if Bryn gets injured. We have agreed with St Mirren that we can each use seven subs and field any number of trialists because I think there is still an element of getting players game time at this stage."

The match itself is more for the supporters of each club, although Irons admits there will be a competitive edge to proceedings.

"The fact St Mirren are still up there in the SPL also adds a bit to the game," he said. "I am sure it will be hugely competitive, and it is a game the fans always tend to enjoy.

"Our season started on Sunday with the Alba Challenge Cup win over Dumbarton which was good, so it would at least be pleasing to keep that going, but at this stage it is still all about getting players ready."

Tonight's clash is the first-ever final to be played at St Mirren's new stadium and boss Gus MacPherson knows local pride is at stake, even though he'll be careful with team selection.

He explained: "There are some players who haven't had as much playing time as others so we'll have to look at that aspect.

"Steven Robb, for instance, didn't go to Italy with us, so we need to get him some time on the park as we look to improve his fitness, and there are one or two others also.

"Everybody can see the squad isn't the biggest so it will still be a strong side we will field.

"It never matters when you play against your local rivals as it will always be a game that the fans are right up for. We have got to make sure that we continue with our preparations for the new season and tonight's game will be ideal for us as it will be highly competitive.

"We had a really good test against Chievo in Italy, but now we will be going into a truly competitive game which will put us in good stead for our cup-tie against East Stirling at the weekend."

Meanwhile, Saints have stepped in as opposition for English Premiership side Wigan for a friendly on August 8 after Spanish outfit Almeria cancelled their UK tour due to fears over swine flu.