CARLO Pignatiello believes Morton can reap the benefits from a tough pre-season after the squad completed their first training session yesterday.

The midfielder, who became Dougie Imrie's second summer signing last month, says the hard work starts now as they look to build on last season's seventh place finish.

Imrie put his players through their paces for the first time at Parklea yesterday and Pignatiello insists a productive summer will set them up nicely for a successful campaign.

He told the Tele: "The gaffer had a brief chat with all the boys together and said pre-season will be tough.

"But it is needed. Pre-season is supposed to be hard and it is a very important goal in trying to do well come the start of the season.

"Hopefully it pays off."

The former Livingston man believes their first session went well and he was delighted to meet up with his new team-mates.

He said: "Our first day back has been all about testing.

"We looked at body fats, jumping tests, sprinting tests then the bleep test.

"Obviously the bleep test is never nice, but that is normally what a first day back is about for most people and it all went well.

"Getting to meet all the boys and the staff at the club was brilliant. Everybody is nice and welcoming.

"I enjoyed it, it seems like it is a good place to work every day, so I am looking forward to it."

The 22-year-old has welcomed the news that Lewis Strapp will remain at the club after signing a one-year deal yesterday and he believes the squad is shaping up nicely.

He said: "It is a good club. Strappy is obviously another good signing for the club. He's a good player and it was important to keep him here.

"The manager is trying to bring in a few more before the start of the season.

"Hopefully we can get in a few more players and put together a good squad.

"But the boys that are all here just now are all good players."

With Morton announcing friendlies against Annan, Stenhousemuir, Livingston and Carlisle, the former Dumbarton loanee says it will be the perfect opportunity for the new-look side to gel ahead of the Premier Sports Cup group campaign.

He added: "We just want the games starting back. I don’t really want to be running as it’s not the most fun for anybody.

"Everybody is just looking forward to the games and obviously we start back next Saturday against Annan.

"It is good to try and get into them quickly and hopefully we can go in and bed in properly.

"We can gain fitness and get a feel for it."