JACK Ross, the St Mirren manager, believes Lewis Morgan can handle the constant speculation over his future, writes Darren Johnstone

The Scotland Under-21 internationalist has been given permission by the club to hold talks with potential suitors after moving into the final six months of his deal, with Celtic and Nottingham Forest among the interested parties.

Ross, however, is more concerned with the attention the talented 21-year-old is attracting from opposition players.

Morgan hobbled off in Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Brechin City but Ross is confident the youngster will be available to face Dunfermline tomorrow.

Ross said: “He’ll be alright, he just gets kicked a lot. Referees seem to allow five or six tackles before they decide that they’re hard enough.

“I think he should be given more protection as he hasn’t been given enough but he’s going to get bumps and bruises because he’s that type of player.

“I must admit I have been a bit troubled by some incidents.

“There have been a few things that have been let go in recent weeks but Lewis’s response has been good.

“He just tells his teammates to give him the ball again. He’s happy to take it and that’s an improvement in his mindset."

Morgan was the subject of a failed £200,000 offer from English Championship side Burton Albion during the summer and Ross insists the player is able to shrug off the attention.

Ross said: "Lewis has strengthened his mindset in a number of ways.

"He has coped very well with the attention."