RICKI Lamie reckons the recent return of defensive partner Thomas O’Ware is a vital positive for Morton to take forward into the Championship campaign.

O’Ware missed the entirety of pre-season with his ankle in a protective boot and only returned three weeks ago to face Renfrewshire rivals St Mirren in the second game of the season.

Lamie admits he’s missed playing alongside his pal at the heart of the Ton backline.

Twenty-four-year-old Lamie believes O’Ware’s experience will be extremely valuable to the team as they look to challenge for a similar position from last term in the Premiership promotion play-offs.

He told the Tele: “Thomas O’Ware’s record goes before him, not just defensively obviously, he is really well known for his impact and attacking prowess. There’s that aspect of his game too that helps us out with an extra attacking option from set-pieces. He’s the most experienced player at the club when looking at who has been there the longest, so there’s that aspect too. He knows the club inside out and like myself he has worked with the gaffer since he’s come in and knows what is expected.

“Being the skipper in the absence of Lee Kilday as well can only be beneficial, especially with the problems that we’ve had in terms of injuries, he’s a welcome addition to have back playing.

“Hopefully we stay fit and like the rest of the boys, we’ll have plenty of options right across the pitch.

“But generally it’s good to have Tam back, I know him inside out and he has good experience to have back.”

Lamie joked: “If he stops missing sitters like he did against St Mirren, it’ll be all good.

“It’s alright laughing at it afterwards when the result went our way but we weren’t laughing at the time!

“Seriously though, you never lose that eye for goal and I’m sure he’ll add to his tally eventually this season.”

Morton are almost at full strength defensively after beginning the season missing several key stars like O’Ware and skipper Lee Kilday. The latter hasn’t played since undergoing surgery to his ankle in preseason.

O’Ware, Kilday, development coach Darren Barr and even Lamie himself have all endured spells on the sidelines already this term.

Lamie is desperate for captain Kilday to return to action as soon as possible - because it can only benefit the team to have their on-field leader back fit.

Lamie added: “We’re just about there now in terms of having everyone available.

"Lee is obviously yet to find out exactly when he’ll be back but hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.

“Because any competition is healthy competition.”