ANDY MORRISON believes it is “disrespectful” to The New Saints to talk about a Connah’s Quay Nomads title challenge at this stage of the season.

Morrison’s men head to Park Hall tomorrow evening for a top of the table clash, leading the reigning champions by two points after 10 matches.

But Morrison was part of the coaching staff at Airbus when the Wingmakers tried to wrestle the title from Saints’ grasp, and he knows how tough it is.

On Saints, who have won the title for seven successive seasons - and eight in nine - Morrison said: “We are in October and all people are asking is ‘is there a title challenge on?’ You are talking about a team that has won the league for the last seven years, it’s disrespectful to be talking about them having any pressure because they’ve been there, seen it and done it.”

Instead, Morrison is focusing on securing a top-six spot as quickly as possible. The ex-Manchester City captain feels 32 points is enough to finish in the top half, Nomads therefore needing eight more from 12 matches.

He continued: “We’re closer points-wise to that magic total of 32, which means that for a couple of days I can switch off, relax and enjoy life before we set our next target.”

Morrison won’t be heading to Park Hall to make up the numbers, however, but he’s all too aware of how tough facing the Saints on home turf is.

It won’t be easy, especially at that time of night with the pitch being that quick. They are very, very good at home,” he said. “Things are really good. We are playing really, really well. The boys are playing really well and they deserve the plaudits they are getting and long may that continue.”

For any team to win at Park Hall, their defence and goalkeeper need to be near their very best.

Nomads stopper John Danby will be expecting a busy evening after a mixed night against Druids.

The ex-Chester keeper let Nathan Peate’s tame shot squirm under his body, but he made amends by saving a Neil Ashton penalty minutes later.

On Danby, Morrison said: “John has been fantastic. But he wasn’t fantastic on the first goal, which I think my missus could have saved.

“He dug us out with the penalty save and that’s John Danby.

“John rarely ever makes a mistake and he’s so reliable.”

While Danby is Mr Consistent, Morrison is eager to see midfielder Rob Hughes churn out solid performances more regularly.

Hughes stepped off the bench to score a fine goal against Druids, prompting boss Morrison to say: “With Rob it’s either the sublime or it’s the ridiculous.

“If I can get something in between that and get the extremes a little bit closer then I’ve got a very talented footballer.

“The lad is so talented, but one decision is incredible and the next one is mind boggling. Rob knows that and if I can help his game then he will be a very talented player who can change a game.”

In the opposition camp, Saints boss Scott Ruscoe, who saw his side thump Llandudno 6-1 on Wednesday night, is relishing the encounter.

“We are looking forward to it,” he said. “They are a good side and we are in an unfamiliar position being second in the league, but it shows that someone else is there ready to take top spot if we are not at our best.”