BOB McHugh says he is ‘desperate’ to learn and develop under manager David Hopkin after signing a contract extension.

The striker has penned a new one-year deal at Cappielow, becoming the latest player to sign with the Ton, for what will be his third season at the club.

McHugh says the new boss had tried to sign him previously when he was in charge at Livingston.

The striker is excited about the chance of developing his own game under Hopkin.

At the age of 27 McHugh is sure his best years are ahead of him, and says he is looking forward to improving on his goals tally this season with the Ton.

He told the Tele: “The manager’s teams before have scored plenty of goals and he assured me that he was going to coach me. That was an important thing for me as well.

“He knows he can get more out of me which I agree with. It was a factor in signing, I’m hoping this is my peak years now.

“I’m 27 now and I feel like I’m only going to get better and if he can give me one or two pointers I can notch a few more goals.

“I was desperate to be there as well. I’ve had a good few years at the club and I’m hoping that this year will be better and I’m hoping to improve.

“It gives you a bit of peace of mind that he’s rated me as a player before, so he’s obviously seen something, that he’s wanted to try and get me a couple of years ago.

“Now we’ve got the chance to work together I’m going to give everything to make sure it works and have a successful season.”

The striker spoke to the Tele last week saying that, like most players that were at Morton last season, his new deal was a significant drop from his last salary at the club.

With McHugh expecting a new baby with his partner within the next month, he says it’s not just his own career he has to be mindful of now — but the striker believes staying at Morton is the right call.

He added: “Me and my partner are expecting a baby in the next month, so as a soon-to-be young family it’s something I had to weigh up.

“But I had to weigh up enjoying my work and having a successful season as well, and that’s how I came to the decision that Morton’s the right club for me this season.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here, and obviously with the uncertainty at the end of the season with the manager, for him to come in and show me that he’s keen to keep me was a real buzz for me, and I hope it’s going to work out.”

The Betfred Cup group stages were announced yesterday, with the Ton being drawn in Group E alongside Queen of the South, Annan Athletic, Dumbarton and McHugh’s old club Motherwell, and he’s looking forward to playing his former team again when the fixtures take place in July.

He added: “It’s always a game I get myself right up for. It’s good to play against your old club.

“Motherwell’s a club I really enjoyed my time at and I’ve got a lot to thank them for, for giving me a chance and bringing me through.”

Meanwhile, Morton have also announced their first pre-season fixture, away to Forfar Athletic on Saturday July 6, with a 3pm kick-off.