MORTON forward Gary Oliver sees no reason why his side can’t mount a title challenge this season after last term’s success.

Ton ended the 2016-17 season in fourth place, missing out on Premiership promotion after a disappointing defeat over two legs by Dundee United in the play-offs.

But 21-year-old Oliver is hopeful that if the Cappielow men can find similar form this campaign like they did last, a battle for the trophy could be on the cards this season.

He told the Tele: “If we do the same that we did last year, we might even be top of the league, you just never know. 

“Without Hibs, it’s anyone’s league if they want it that much. There’s no real out-and-out winners in the league because we’re all pretty close to each other.

“We have every chance if we do as well as we did last year. I’m looking forward to getting pre-season done already, getting the season started and looking for a successful one again.”

Oliver isn’t getting ahead of himself by any means, however, admitting it would take a mammoth effort to push the favourites Dundee United all the way.

But he feels that all the tools are there at Jim Duffy’s disposal to at least give it a respectable go — especially after the early transfer business completed by the Morton boss.

Oliver said: “Recruitment is obviously up to the gaffer, that’s his job to get players in and there’s a few already. And he’ll have his eye on a few I’m sure. 

“Hopefully we can get a good squad together for next season, I’m totally sure we will and hopefully it’s another successful season for Morton.

“Last season gives us a huge amount of confidence to know where our standards are at and to put a marker down in the league. 

“We’re wanting to aim as close to the top of the league as we can and that’s the sort of expectations there are now.

“It’s a difficult league but I’m sure we’ll mix up the squad and hopefully be challenging at the top.”