BOB McHugh insists he’s excited by the firepower on display at Morton after just one friendly game so far this pre-season.

Ton thrashed Premiership opposition Partick Thistle 5-2 in their first outing of the new campaign, a closed door affair, and McHugh reckons some of the link-up play was very promising.

Gary Oliver and youngster Ben Armour were amongst the goalscorers, but McHugh hopes his own performance has been noticed by manager Jim Duffy ahead of the new season.

He told the Tele: “It’s been great so far, the boys and the manager have been brilliant as I expected. That’s the pre-season games started now as well so a lot of the hard work is done.

“I’m sure there will be some harder sessions to come but a lot has been done so it’s about getting the match fitness now.

“I started the Partick Thistle game and got about 70 minutes or so. It’s obviously early doors but it’s always nice to get a run out like that and get a wee touch of the ball.

“There was plenty of good, exciting stuff to watch and a lot of good link-up play and movement going forward which is something we can develop throughout the season. 

“It’s been so far, so good, there were some quality goals scored against Partick too. Hopefully the manager has been pleased with myself so far as well. I’m thoroughly enjoying it so far.

“It’s difficult to judge anything just now but every game you play in you’re trying to win. But the most important thing is that we’re getting the minutes under the belt and gathering that fitness towards the start of the season.”

The ex-Falkirk striker says he enjoys the pre-season game time more than anything else and admits the running aspect of training has been hard going. But he understands the need to get everyone match fit and fully prepared for competitive action — which begins with July’s Betfred Cup fixtures.

He said: “I kept myself fit over the summer but I won’t lie, the double sessions have been hard going. It’s tiring at times but that is what you expect from this time of pre-season, it’s in the bank and you just have to get yourself as fit as you possibly can because it’s going to be a long, hard season.

“Getting game time and matches under your belt at this time of year is what you look forward to.

"Preparing yourself as best as you can with the competitive games starting soon, that’s what the boys are all excited for.”