GAVIN Gunning has told how he is hopeful of sorting out his Morton future in the coming weeks — because he’s enjoying his time at Cappielow.

The Irishman signed for Ton originally on a short-term deal, but has established himself as one of the first names on his manager’s team sheet since joining back in September.

Gunning has made eight appearances in the league for Ton so far this season, as well as starring for the Sinclair Street side twice in their run to the Betfred Cup semi-final.

The ex-Dundee United and Birmingham defender says he’s thoroughly enjoyed his three months in Greenock so far, and that he is now waiting to see how things pan out.

He told the Tele: “I’ve spoken to [Jim Duffy] about it, but obviously we will just have to see what happens. It’s obviously coming close to the end of my contract now, so we’ll have to wait and find out.”

Asked if renewing his contract is an idea that would interest him, he replied: “I’m enjoying it a lot [at Morton], we’ll just need to wait happens and see what the chairman has to say. Hopefully!”

Gunning has impressed hugely during his short spell and will no doubt be looking to star again this weekend, when Ton square-off against Queen of the South tomorrow afternoon.

And the 25-year-old reckons home advantage should allow his side to attack the Doonhamers from the outset — just like they did against table-topping Hibernian last week.

He continued: “We are the home side so we have to take the game to them, I suppose. We did that against Hibs pretty well, so we just have to do it again this weekend.”

Ton have been dealing with an injury crisis up front in the last few weeks, with Jai Quitongo crocked against Dunfermline Athletic and Kudus Oyenuga limping off against Hibs last weekend.

But Gunning insists he and his team-mates are prepared for the busy festive schedule, despite having to adjust to life without at least two key strikers - and midfielder Jamie Lindsay, who is also missing with an ankle problem.

He said: “I don’t mind [playing so many games in such a short space of time], but obviously you would prefer to be at home for Christmas. But it is always good to be playing games.

"On the other foot, it is always going to be the case of if you have got a small squad and you get a few injuries, you are going to struggle a bit.

“So it is one of them where at the moment, we’re kind of putting square pegs in round holes."