KALLUM HIGGINBOTHAM has admitted that Saturday’s double penalty woe was one of the lowest moments of his career.

But the talented Pars wideman is determined to bounce back in style when Morton come calling this weekend – and is ready to take responsibility from 12 yards if they are awarded another spot-kick.

The former Falkirk player was left crestfallen on Saturday during an incredible 60 seconds in the final five minutes against Ayr United that saw him have two penalties saved by Greg Fleming as 10-man Athletic were forced to settle for a point.

After Higginbotham’s first effort was stopped easily, the 27-year-old was then felled by Paddy Boyle for another penalty and, despite Rhys McCabe and John Herron both looking to take it on, he again took the kick but, unbelievably, his powerful effort was saved again.

Speaking to Press Sport, he reflected: “Saturday was definitely one of the lowest moments of my career. It means a lot, especially with the position that we’re in, and it would have been a massive three points but I was confident I would score (the second penalty). If I had any doubts I would have passed it on and, if I had the chance again, I would take it again. I am a confident player but the second was a fantastic save; I couldn’t have hit it any better.

“Maybe in hindsight I should have handed it over but Rhys said to me that he was confident I would put it in and I was confident. After missing the first one I wanted to get the team out of trouble but there’s nothing I can do about it now.

“Those are the first penalties I’ve missed in my career and I was visibly upset. I think everyone could see on Saturday that I was hurting for the club because I’m a born winner. If you ask the gaffer he’ll tell you how much I want to win; if we have small-sided games in training and I lose, then I’m annoyed!

“We have to try and lift ourselves but there were masses of plusses on Saturday. To be down to 10 men and for us to be on the front foot like we were shows the quality we’ve got.”

Higginbotham continued: “Although we got a draw with 10 men, we should be beating teams like Ayr at home, but it wasn’t to be. It’s not through a lack of trying; we’re working hard in training and when we went to 10 I thought we played the better football.

“Overall I think I played well but every manager has told me I need to shoot more. I like to set up people and it’s in me to be a team player; if I think someone is in a better position then I prefer to pass.”