BOB McHugh has refused to set a date for his return to action as he looks set to miss Morton’s busy festive period.

Ton’s top scorer suffered a pulled hamstring during last week’s 2-1 defeat to Dundee United.

While McHugh is relieved the injury isn’t as serious as first feared, the ex-Motherwell man won’t put a time frame on how long it will take to return to the first team.

And the striker is gutted he will miss Saturday’s crucial clash against Alloa which he believes will play a massive part in Ton’s campaign.

He told the Tele: “I just need to take it day by day in training, because I was fearing it would be months rather than weeks.

“Thankfully it’s only weeks but I’m still at an early stage of getting back into some running.

“I need to build on that in training so that I’m stronger when I come back.

“Obviously I did really well the last time against Alloa and this game was one in particular that I was looking forward to.

“I’m sure that there’s plenty of competition in the squad and I’ll be there supporting the lads and cheering them on.

“Whether it’s by one goal or by a few, I hope that the boys go out and get a win because that would be huge for us.”

McHugh hopes that Morton can make the most of the festive period as they look to propel themselves back up the Championship table.

He believes now would be the best time for the Ton to build up a run of results going into the New Year as they look to go into the second half of the season full of confidence.

The striker believes that such a run could make the Ton’s season as he prepares to watch on from the stands.

He said: “It’s a big period for the club coming up and this time of year is usually busy so if we were ever going to start going on a wee run of form, then now would probably be the best time to do it.

“There’s a good chance that we can go on that run and propel ourselves up the table because we’re playing teams in and around us, I’m just gutted that I can’t play in them and contribute.

“Every game is a big game from now on, but we can’t take any of them for granted, we need to go out and give 100 per cent and be fully concentrated and make sure that we start turning those draws and away defeats into victories sooner rather than later.”