After suffering an ignominious relegation in 2013-14, the Ton bounced back at the first time of asking under Jim Duffy, lifting the League One title.

They have returned to a much stronger second tier that now includes the likes of Rangers, Hibs and fierce rivals St Mirren.

And Lilley, who sees a lot of matches at this level in his capacities as a scout and Opta analyst, feels a successful season would be a mid-table finish, with staying in the division the primary target.

He told the Tele: “I think what you notice about the Championship is that a lot of the teams are quite young. They can go out one week and win 3-0 and then go and get beat 2-0 the next week.

“There’s that kind of inconsistency because they are young sides, and it’s a tough league. If you put Rangers and Hibs to one side, anybody else could beat each other on any given day.

“I think Morton will look to consolidate this year. If you can get a mid-table finish, as long as you don’t get sucked into a relegation [battle].

“Next season, it will be a really competitive league, especially if Dunfermline come up. There’s the potential for a good few seasons where the league is going to be quite competitive.

“So after a year down in League One, if Morton can consolidate this season it will help and they can grow.” Meanwhile, Morton will be subject to another fixture change due to the fact Hibs are scheduled to meet St Johnstone in the semi-final of the League Cup.

Ton were set to travel to Easter Road on Saturday 30 January, but the Edinburgh outfit will now participate in a final-four tie against the Saints on either that date or the following day.