MORTON forward Bob McHugh is hoping to bounce back next season after an injury-hit campaign.

The 26-year-old scored eight goals in 40 appearances in his first term at Morton, hitting four of those in his first eight games.

But after picking up an injury early in the season, the striker played through the pain barrier for the rest of the campaign.

McHugh had an operation on his groin after the season finished, and he wants to make a bigger impact for the Ton next year.

The forward told the Tele: “I had an operation on my groin which I’ve been needing all season really. I’ve just been focusing on myself trying to rehab that as best as I can before I go back.

“Early on in the season I was feeling symptoms of a hernia in my groin, which was affecting me.

“I got it sorted out temporarily, but I played through it all season and I had a double hernia in my groin all season. 

“Between that and my ankle last season it’s been frustrating.

“I got some injections in my ankle as well, and I’m hoping to come back this season fresh. This will be the longest time off I’ve ever had through the summer period, and hopefully it’s come at the right time for us.

“I started well enough last year, and my form, just as it did with the team, tailed off towards the end of the season.

“I’m not sure if that was due to the injuries I was carrying, but I want to return fresh and hit the ground running when I return.”