Alloa loan star Michael Duffy believes their performance in the 1-0 defeat to Raith Rovers is a sure fire sign that things are on the up for them.

The Celtic youngster, who is on loan at the Indodrill Stadium until January at least, put in a man-of-the-match performance for the Wasps as he led the line alongside Michael Chopra.

And he believes their new pairing can pay off big time for Alloa in the coming weeks after the duo pushed the Fifers defence to the limit last weekend.

Duffy told Advertiser sport: “The Raith defeat was a really tough one to take because I felt like it was one of our best games so far this season. I felt like we were edging the game and could have nicked the win, but once again it just hasn't broke for us and we are unlucky to lose it in the end. I felt like I was getting a lot of joy in behind and they were struggling at the back in spells.

“I was pleased with my performance overall. We had three or four great chances and on any other day we could have been out of sight. We maybe just need that break of luck to go our way. I think it is a definite sign that things are on the up for us and it is only a matter of time before the results turn our way.

“I feel like that elusive first goal is getting closer each week and hopefully it will come soon because it is driving me mad. Last weekend was the first time Chops and I have played through the middle together and I felt like we struck up a decent partnership. I thought it worked really well at times and it was maybe unfortunate that we both came off at the same time because we were on the front foot at that point. I am confident though if we can continue to play together then the results and goals will come for us.”

Duffy was felt that their latest defeat was so tough to take because it continued a worrying trend for them where they haven't got the result their play has deserved, but he is convinced if they can maintain their current performance levels and grab the first goal in games then their results will soon turn.

He said: “There wasn't an awful lot in the game, both sides had one cleared off the line in the first half, but I just felt like we deserved it more. This has been a difficult spell for us because we are putting in good performances, but not getting the results that our efforts deserve. We know though, if we can play like our last two games every week then the results will come for us. I think getting the first goal is crucial for us. If we can nick one early and get on the front foot it would make all the difference to us. We seem to always have to come from behind in games at the minute and leave ourselves chasing it so that is something we will look to put right.”

Danny Lennon's men now turn their attention to a crunch clash with newly promoted Greenock Morton at Cappielow this Saturday and the young Northern Irish forward sees it as the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways.

Duffy added: “The Morton game is a great chance for us to get back to winning ways. In the game at home against them, we were unlucky and it was clear that day that there is very little between the sides. If we can produce the same level of performance as we did against St Mirren and Raith then maybe grab a break of luck then I think a win would go a long way to lifting the confidence of the team. I enjoyed my time away with the Northern Ireland U21s and even although we lost the game 2-1, it was still a great experience for me and hopefully that can help me to find my form for Alloa now.”