GARY Oliver has scored two goals in as many friendly matches for Morton this season — and he’s desperate to bring that form to league duty.

Oliver netted against East Kilbride in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Billy Stark’s men in a bounce game. 

The striker also bagged a goal earlier this season when Ton took on Rangers in a closed-doors friendly at Auchenhowie. The 22-year-old is yet to open his account in the Championship for Morton this term though, and admits he has to net soon.

But the ex-Hearts man hopes to adopt the ‘friendly’ mindset in the league — allowing him to play with more freedom.

He told the Tele: “The bounce game last weekend was a good exercise as it was played at a good tempo and both teams really went at it.

“Obviously it was nice for me to score as it’s great to score in any game. 

“But it’s good for the confidence, I’m feeling better about myself and my performances.

“I scored in the friendly earlier this season against Rangers as well. 

“I suppose these matches are a bit easier to net in because as a player you’re a bit more relaxed because there’s less to lose. 

“The gaffer keeps us on our toes in these games though and nobody would want to go into it with a bad attitude.

“I always try my best, even if there is a bit less pressure on you. It’s good sometimes to have games like that, especially with the two friendlies we’ve had off from competitive stuff.

“We’ve not been slacking during the weeks we’ve had without an outing. We’ve really been working hard in training trying to get things right.”

As a striker it would be easy for Oliver’s head to go down having gone 13 appearances without a goal this season in all competitions. 

However, he says he’s beginning to feel like his old self again after last week.

He says that self-belief comes from the lack of pressure he felt in the bounce game compared to the stressful pressure-cooker that is the Championship.

He added: “Pressure is good in the league but it’s good to play in friendlies and bounce games because you can boost confidence from scoring goals and playing well. 

“It’s a bit of a mental thing as well because it’s good to prove to yourself that you can still hit the back of the net.

“It’s maybe a wee bit in the head because there is so much pressure playing in the league.”