GARY Oliver hopes he can build on his first goal of the season and become a regular in Ray McKinnon’s starting line-up.

The striker netted for the first time this campaign against Dumbarton on Tuesday night.

The 23-year-old has mainly been used off the bench so far, coming on as a substitute four times in his seven appearances.

Oliver admitted he was glad to take the pressure off himself after scoring his first of the season.

He told the Tele: “It was a nice one-two with Connor and I’ve just hit it through the box and slotted it in the bottom corner.

“There’s nothing worse when you’re chasing a goal for four or five games and you start to put pressure on yourself.
“It’s good to get it out of the way, and hopefully I’ll get some more going forward.”

Since coming in as manager, McKinnon has rotated his squad regularly to try and give everyone a chance early on in the season.

Oliver now hopes his goal will have helped to impress the former Dundee United boss.

He added: “The new manager has come in and he’s tried to give everyone a chance, and it’s good to try and impress with a goal or two.

“It’s my third start in a competitive game and I’ve scored a goal so I need to try and keep that ratio going.”

Dumbarton started off the better team on Tuesday and went in front thanks to goals from Greenock-born Michael Paton and ex-Ton hitman Iain Russell after 26 minutes. The Ton were on the backfoot for most of the opening 30 minutes, but gradually began to grow into the game.

Oliver linked up well with fellow forward Connor Bell to cut inside and net for Morton on 37 minutes, with what was their first real clear-cut chance of the night.

As the game wore on the Cappielow outfit began to take control of the tie, and went close on numerous occasions.

Ross MacLean forced Grant Adam into two spectacular saves from free-kicks, with Ben Armour also going close.

But it wasn’t to be for the visitors, as Dumbarton, who last season reached the final of the competition, progressed into the next round.

Oliver added: “In the first half we didn’t start the game too well, we lost the two goals and the goal before half-time gave us a wee jag.

“I thought in the second half we played a lot better and felt we should have nicked it, maybe on another day it was just the luck of the draw but we move on.”

Morton now have a week and a half until their next competitive game against current league leaders Ross County.

The Highland side are one of the favourites to win the Championship this season and Oliver predicts it will be one of the toughest fixtures of the campaign.

He said: “We’ve got a big game against Ross County. It’ll be one of the hardest games in the league this year. 

“We’ll get some rest and get ready for the game.”