TON striker James Grady is hoping to sit down for contract talks next week but he is not looking for any favours.

The plucky frontman goes way back with boss Davie Irons, the two having often worked together in difficult circumstances.

Grady"s arrival last season coincided with an upturn in Morton"s fortunes and the 38-year-old hopes his impact on the park - not his history with the manager - can earn him a new deal when his current contract expires in July.

He said: 'I"ve not spoken to the manager, I"m away for three or four days and hopefully I will be able to speak to him after that.

'When I signed, we were still in a mire. Even though from October we got closer to the pack, we were still near to the foot of the table. So he couldn"t give me that extra year as he could not guarantee his own position. But we spoke about how if it improved then it shouldn"t be a problem.

'We have not spoken more about it, but I don"t envisage any real problems, At least I would like to think not.

'I have had so many years with Davie Irons in the past and we have been at clubs where we have had to stand shoulder to shoulder, such as previous regimes at Gretna with things people don"t know about. But I want the contract because I think I can do a job for Morton on and off the pitch. It"s not because I"m pals with Davie Irons.' Grady is currently away in Rome with his friend and fellow Morton player Allan McManus, the pair both marking their wedding anniversaries, having tied the knot on the same day.

But he is looking forward to making a playing return in the blue and white hoops when pre-season begins at the start of July. And unlike some, he is keen as mustard to get to grips with the fitness schedule.

'The fitness thing is not a problem, I am a naturally fit guy,' added Grady. 'With pre-season coming up I will be among the fittest of the guys.

'Age is a number, when you look about how people look after themselves now. And I am a tee-totaller, always have been.'