ROSS MacLean believes Morton can be this season’s dark horses in what he predicts will be the tightest Championship in years.

The midfielder scored in Ton’s opening day 2-2 draw with Queen of the South at Cappielow on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Motherwell loanee says the league is wide open this season and thinks his side should aim high with no clear favourites for the division. 

He told the Tele: “Why not try to go and win it? Look at the league, you would say Partick Thistle will be one of the challengers and we battered them. It just shows you. We ran over them and they’re one of the favourites.

“Of course, Queens came to our place and came from two down so that is another sign of what it’s going to be like.

“I think it will be the tightest league for years. So why can’t we challenge for the title?”

It looked to be Morton’s day when they took the lead through Michael Tidser’s early second-half goal.

MacLean doubled their advantage just after the hour mark, latching onto Bob McHugh’s through-ball with a powerful finish.

It was his second goal since joining the club this summer and he hopes to continue his streak over the next few months.

He added: “I’m happy with my goal. I came here to score goals, make assists and get Morton up the table so it’s a good start.

“As soon as I saw Bob get the ball I could see he had space, so I thought I would run in behind and he would find me.

“He slid me in and I’ve done the rest. I just wanted to hit it as hard as I could and thankfully the keeper couldn’t stop it.

“It’s all about getting the fans behind you as well, especially on the first day of the season.

“It’s good for my confidence as well, and I hope to get my tally up before Christmas and the end of the season.”

The winger was left frustrated at Motherwell, with Stephen Robinson’s 3-5-2 formation often leaving the midfielder out of position if he even featured.

But playing week in, week out at Morton is helping to boost his confidence, and he’s hoping to continue to make an impact at Cappielow as he learns his trade.

MacLean says playing alongside the likes of Chris Millar, Jim McAlister and Michael Tidser is only going to benefit him.

He said: “It’s a great thing for me, as soon as I see Jim, Midge [Millar] or Tidser lifting their heads I constantly think about running in behind as I know they’ll find me.

“I’ve been here for five or six games and I’ve had about 20 chances in behind. It’s good, they’re experienced and it’s good players to be with.

“I wanted to learn my trade as a winger, before getting thrown out in different positions.

“But I’m happy now I’m playing and hopefully I can learn more here before I go back to Motherwell.”