MORTON youngster Darren Hynes wants to earn a place in the first team next season after signing a new deal with the Cappielow side.

The 19-year-old made his Ton debut in the 3-0 defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle on the last day of the campaign.

The former Aberdeen youth player started the game and was voted as the man of the match for his efforts, rarely putting a foot wrong in his senior bow.

And after signing a one-year-deal with the development squad, the right-back is hoping to impress whoever becomes the new manager and to stamp down his claim for regular first-team action next year.

Hynes told the Tele: “I’ve had two and a half good years at Morton and I’m delighted to sign on for another year and be at a club that I’m happy at.

“I was happy to get my contract signed so now I’m just trying to keep as fit as possible and hopefully play as much as I can with the development team and catch his eye as well and try and break into the first team.

“It was a great day for me against Inverness and that’s just inspired me to want it even more and push on and try and break into the first team under the new gaffer.”