DOUGIE Imrie believes getting his transfer dealings done early has given Morton a huge boost as he looks to add more recruits as soon as possible.

Carlo Pignatiello and Darragh O’Connor this week became the Ton’s latest summer signings following the arrival of Jack Baird.

The Morton boss is hopeful of working on a few more deals over the weekend as he looks to build his squad ahead of pre-season training next month.

He told the Tele: "It is pretty pleasing to get the players that we want in the door done so early in the window.

"We're still trying to work on a few others and hopefully have another few done over the weekend.

"That's us on our way. It is obviously hard having to work against other clubs at the same time, but the boys that we have in so far has been encouraging."

The 38-year-old is delighted to work with former Livingston man Pignatiello again and the Ton boss has backed the midfielder to grab his chance at Cappielow.

He said: "I knew Carlo from my time at Livingston.

"He has had a few loan spells and has just been unfortunate not to get game time in the Premiership, which is always difficult for a young kid, but in his loan spells he has done well.

"He will help us in a few areas. He's a young lad who can make a name for himself.

"It is always good to have players that can play one or two positions.

"It helps if we come up against injuries or suspensions we have people we can fall back on to move into a different position, and they go there and have no problems with playing there.

"On that aspect it is good, but for Carlo it is an opportunity to establish himself getting regular first team action."

Imrie hailed the signing of O’Connor after failing in his attempt to lure him to Cappielow in January.

He said: "Darragh is a player I tried to get when I first came into the club in January.

"I made contact with him initially. I didn’t really hear much back from him then he ended up at Queen of the South, which I was a bit disappointed with, but that is football.

"I am over the moon to get him in the building.

"He has fantastic attributes, good on the ball, can move, which you need now in this day and age as more players are athletes, so it good to have that pace at the back for cover.

"His all-round game is impressive, he is a leader, he talks constantly, organises, and it is something that we are going to need to have next season.

"The league is going to be a lot harder."

With the Premier Sports Cup draw taking place this week, Imrie is looking forward to seeing his side go head to head with Hibs and hopes Morton can progress in the tournament.

He added: "It is a good draw. Hibs just brought in a very experienced manager in Lee Johnson.

"But with the players that he will bring to the club and the players that are already there, we know it will be a tough test for us but is one that we are looking forward to.

"Then you have Falkirk, Clyde and Bonnyrigg, so there are four games that we will look forward to and all come with their own tests.

"Hopefully we can progress and see where it takes us, but again it is within pre-season so when they come back on June 15, we’ll need to hit the ground running.

"We need to get up to scratch early to do well in the competition."