Scotland Under-21 cap McManus initiated a last-minute Ton return on transfer deadline day after struggling to make the desired breakthrough in his four weeks back at Aberdeen.

The 20-year-old admits he was missing life at the club with whom he spent a successful loan stint in the first half of the season — to such an extent it was affecting his mood at home.

But he is thrilled to be back and has set his sights on a league winners’ medal and the Golden Boot — as it would ultimately mean a successful season for Morton. Speaking exclusively to the Tele last night, the striker, who scored 12 goals in 21 appearances between August and January, beamed: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back at Morton.

“I wanted to get back playing football again and thought it was the best thing for me, so I spoke to my agent and I spoke to Derek McInnes and asked if he’d allow it.

“We both agreed it was the best thing for me, to go out and play, so I phoned to check with Jim Duffy and the chairman to see if they wanted me back and if they did, whether they had the budget.

“Thankfully, Jim was pleased to get me back and so was the chairman.

“And that was great because I’d really enjoyed my time at Morton. I missed it when I was away. Even my girlfriend noticed it.

"She noticed the difference in me in my everyday life. I wasn’t the same; it was hampering me.

“Football is a big part of my life and if I’m not happy at football then it rubs off and I’m not the same person off the pitch.

“I’m all about being happy — and when I’m playing football I’m happy. Obviously when I went back up it was hard to get in the Aberdeen team with how well they have been doing. It was sort of back to reality.

“That wasn’t a bad thing and might even be something that will help me in my career. But I was playing 20s again and it wasn’t as competitive as League One, so I wanted to get back out and play and to have the opportunity to maybe go on and have a successful season with Morton.

“We have a lot to play for. We’ve got a league to go and try and win. That would be a great experience and I didn’t really want to miss out on it.

“There’s also the golden boot there for the top scorer in League One and that’s not impossible to go and win. I think it would be daft not to aim for that: I’m only one goal off the top.

“I’d say you’d really need to hit 20 goals to challenge for it. I have nine and [Colin] McMenamin and [Alan] Trouten are one ahead. They’re good players so I’ll need to be at my best.

“Aiming for that wee personal goal is something that will always drive me on and make me better. If I’m doing that it can only help the team towards the ultimate goal, which is to win the title.” But before he can hit those targets, McManus knows he has a fight on his hands to force his way into a Morton side packed with attacking talent brought in during the winter transfer window.

He added: “I was watching every score coming in and the boys have been doing really well. The gaffer has made some really good signings in the January transfer window.

“The likes of Peaso [Peter MacDonald], Ross [Caldwell] and Forbesy [Ross Forbes] are all very good players, so I’m far from guaranteed a place in the Morton team.

“Obviously in the first half of the season we didn’t have a lot of competition for up front. It was just kind of me and Andy [Barrowman]. Dave McNeil and Stef McCluskey are more wingers.

“It’s good that there’s a lot of competition to get in the team and stay there. Hopefully I can try and get myself back in — I’m looking forward to the challenge.”