ATHLETIC'S Scottish Cup tie at Greenock Morton this Saturday is in doubt after it was confirmed a pitch inspection will take place tomorrow morning (Friday).

The Cappielow club announced the news in a statement earlier this evening, which also said that three of their first team squad have tested positive for Covid-19.

Morton, who said that the decision has been taken "in complete consultation with Dunfermline Athletic", suggested that the second round tie was "highly unlikely" to take place due to frost covering the pitch.

If the game is called off, it could be played on Tuesday night - when the Pars are due to take on Hearts at Tynecastle in the Championship - due to cup matches taking priority.

By that time, the Inverclyde club, who confirmed on January 2 that another of their team had tested positive for Coronavirus, say that those affected will complete their period of self isolation by Monday evening.

In a statement on their website, Morton said: "Following on from extensive testing, Greenock Morton can confirm that a further three First-Team players have tested positive for Covid-19.

"In accordance with our previous statement and due to medical confidentiality as well as respect for the individuals themselves, the Club will not be naming the players.

"The Club has kept both the Scottish Football Association and the Joint Response Group informed of the situation.

"Based upon discussions with the SFA today and following the guidance of the Scottish Government’s Clinical Advisor on Covid-19 for Sport, we have ensured that identified members of the squad will be in self-isolation until late evening on Monday, 11th January.

"This Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie against Dunfermline Athletic has already been scheduled for a pitch inspection on the morning of Friday, 8th January at the request of both clubs. The grass has several layers of frost upon it and as it is currently deemed highly unlikely that the fixture will take place on the due date.

"As a consequence, the match may be re-scheduled for Tuesday, 12th January at 7.45pm, replacing the game against Arbroath as Scottish Cup fixtures take precedence over league encounters. This decision was made in complete consultation with Dunfermline Athletic FC and we thank them for their support in the matter.

"As the self-isolation period expires later on Monday evening, the entire First-Team squad will be available for selection from that point.

"In addition, the Club has been commended by the SFA for its transparency and openness in respect of its response to the Covid-19 situation and for observing the protocols as laid down by the relevant authorities.

"In due course, we wish the affected players a speedy recovery and we look forward to welcoming them back to Cappielow Park for competitive football."

After this weekend's cup tie and the midweek trip to Hearts, Dunfermline are due to return to Cappielow next Friday (January 15) for a league match that is due to be televised by BBC Scotland.