STRIKER Gary Oliver believes Morton can use the Betfred Cup as a platform for a successful season.

Ray McKinnon’s men begin their League Cup campaign away to Ayr United tomorrow before a trip to Maryhill to take on Partick Thistle on Tuesday, and then host Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers.

There are eight groups in total, with each group winner making it into the last 16, while four of the best runners up also progress, and then joined by Celtic, Aberdeen, Rangers and Hibernian, who are all in European action this month.

The Ton exited the competition in the group stages last year despite finishing second, but progressed to the semi-finals in 2016, eventually being knocked out by Aberdeen.

The Cappielow side have no Premiership opposition in their group this year, and Oliver thinks it’s a great chance to progress into the last 16.

He told the Tele: “It’s not the easiest of groups, but it’s not outwith our reach to win the group.

“It’s a good cup to be in, and the season before last we got to the semi-final and it was a good run.

“It’s brilliant for the publicity and it’s great on a personal level to be involved in the quarter or semi-finals and it gets your name about. 

“I hope we go far again and it sets us up nicely for the season.”

Meanwhile, Morton could come up against former Cappielow midfielder Andy Murdoch today after the 23-year-old signed a one-year contract for Ayr United on Thursday.