IT'S 8pm, Thursday evening in Greenock city centre. As watering holes go, The Yard is busier than most and the volume is live and loud. Two of Morton's finest, John and Marco Maisano, enter the premises and almost cinematically the din noticeably subsides, fingers point and heads turn.

Nine thousand punters crammed into Cappielow back in May to witness their home club lift the third division title against Peterhead, and John, 24, and Marco, 22, played pivotal roles in achieving that badly-craved success. Now they and their team-mates are preparing to go after the second division crown - another final-day showdown may require a larger stadium.

''We're playing for a good club with ambition that wants to win,'' begins John before Marco finishes the sentence off: ''We'll definitely get there but we can't disregard the other nine clubs, they all want it too.

''Last season people thought we'd walk it but it was a gruelling campaign. Hearing that final whistle blow on the last day was one of the best feelings of our lives. We won for the chairman, Douglas Rae, as well as the fans, it meant everything to him.''

Not bad for their debut season in the Scottish game during which they experienced incredible highs and lows throughout. Morton were favourites to take the league but had to win their last five matches just to edge it.

Seventy times they played for the club between them, ensuring wherever they go in Greenock they are embraced. It is a far cry from their native Australia, where playing with AFL side Marcone Stallions brought them little attention.

''Getting up each morning and kicking the ball. It's what we always wanted to do, it's our life, our passion,'' claims Marco, then John continues: ''In Australia clubs are ethnic-related; Italian, Croatian, Greek supported clubs. Obviously it's different here, we love it, you know you're playing football for a reason.

''Harry Kewell could walk down the street back home and they'd know him but wouldn't bother him. It's different here, we get lots of attention and we love that.''

Those of a Morton persuasion will be expecting another rollercoaster ride of a season. The bookies have already inserted them as third favourites to take the division and a fine one-goal win in the Renfrewshire Cup over St Mirren last weekend followed on from an impressive draw against a strong Partick Thistle side. Today they face Arbroath in the Challenge Cup.

Very few clubs are buying up new talent in the present financial climate but chairman Rae has parted with another (pounds) 30,000 for manager John McCormack to wisely invest. Paul Walker has arrived from Thistle, Stuart Grecan from Livingston, both free, and the cash went on Peter Weatherson, who dropped down a division from Queen of the South because he can see the potential of his new club. ''They've fitted in well, all good additions.'' said McCormack.

The manager knows the game inside out and his charges have maximum respect for his knowledge and dedication to the cause.

''He's got the boys revved up, he trains us hard and has unbelievable passion for the game,'' said John. ''That passion is picked up by us, makes us work harder for him, he's helped our game a lot and is proud of what all the players achieved last season.''

The brothers can't wait to get started on the new campaign ahead. A most enjoyable six-week break in Sydney catching up with family and friends has rejuvenated the battering their bodies took last season.

John is the playmaker and Marco the enforcer in the middle of the park. They have their arguments but with their folks growing up in Argentina they will always agree on the subject of Maradona, the greatest that ever lived.

''If you want to learn about football just watch footage of how Maradona played the game,'' said John.

Marco added: ''Like all brothers we argue but it's soon sorted out. During games we can read what the other will do but also as we're brothers it makes us work even harder for each other as team-mates.''

Their manager, who worked wonders to secure the championship having been appointed with only three turbulent months of last season's campaign remaining, certainly appears to be a firm fan.

''I'm happy with them. They're different players; John is very good with his feet and Marco is a powerful force.

''It's a pleasure working with them and they are definitely capable, with no disrespect to the second division, of playing at a higher level. They have quality.''

As they depart to best wishes and waves from all corners, they pass by a signed shirt on the wall of that famous last-day victory. A year from now they hope another championship strip will sit next to it.