ALLOA midfielder Iain Flannigan says the players owe it to gaffer Jack Ross to end the season on a high no matter what happens. 

The Wasps boss has made a real impression with the squad and fans alike despite them still being adrift at the foot of the SPFL Championship and the former Partick Thistle midfielder reckons it is time to repay him with three points against Morton on Saturday. 

The 28-year-old hopes the manager can stick around at the Indodrill Stadium beyond the summer, but insists any talk of contracts and next season must be left for another day as they turn their focus to a tricky trip to Cappielow this weekend. 

Flannigan told Advertiser sport: “The gaffer has been amazing for us since he came in and he has been nothing, but positive with the boys. He has made a real impact and improved us a group by preparing us as best as he can for every match. It is then up to us to do the business on the park and while I feel we haven't quite delivered the wins he deserves, that is something we will look to rectify in the closing weeks of the season.

"We would all love for him to stick around longer, but in terms of contracts that is not really the focus for anyone at the club just now. Our only focus is Morton now and picking up three points. We will battle on and be professional until it is impossible. 

“We can only now focus on the next game now and not look too far in front. I feel like the win would have been more deserved because of how hard we've been working rather than in terms of the league. We know we are up against it now, but from the point of view of the gaffer and the impact he has had here then it was even more disappointing we couldn't hold out for the win. 

“Morton away will be another tricky one, but I definitely see it as a winnable game for us. We have had some close run things against them already this season and we feel like we should've beaten them in both our previous home encounters.

"There isn't a lot between the teams, we know what we can do against them, but it is just a case of working hard to try to get that all important win.”

Flannigan admits the whole squad were left crushed by the concession of a 92nd minute equaliser that robbed them of their first home win of the season, but he believes there is plenty of positives for them to build on. 

He said: “The boys were all gutted not to hang on for the win against Raith. We just didn't see it coming because they were playing a lot of long balls which we dealt well with, but then they just get a break in the box and they capitalise on it. I felt we were comfortable in the game, got the lead and probably should have killed it off.

"We showed a huge bit of character to bounce back from two really tough defeats so their equaliser was frustrating. The pattern of the game is probably indicative of our season, but that's the luck you get when you're down there at the bottom of the league. 

“I thought we looked a real threat and if anything at 1-0, we looked the more likely to score, but it just wasn't to be. We will keep working hard and stick together because there is nothing else for it. 

"Once the dust settles I think we will be able to reflect on the performance and there are loads of positives for us to build on.”

The ex-Kilmarnock trainee was delighted to see team mate Steve Hetherington notch his first senior goal last weekend and says it is no more than he deserves for his recent form. 

Flannigan added: “Steve has been really good since he came into the team, but he's deserved his shot and I was delighted to see him get his goal. He puts a lot of work in behind the scenes which obviously people don't see.

"He has been very professional, waited for his chance and then grabbed it with both hands. It was a really composed finish especially on the surface even although I stuck it on a plate for him!”