NEW Morton midfielder Grant Gillespie aims to lead by example as he urges his team-mates to share the goals amongst themselves this season.

Gillespie believes it is hugely important his side are not overly reliant on their frontmen and insists that everyone must chip in over the next nine months.

The former Queen's Park came up with the equaliser from the penalty spot in his side’s final pre-season friendly on Tuesday as they drew 1-1 with Carlisle United.

Brennan Dickenson headed home from close range for the hosts before the Ton’s summer recruit restored parity - and Gillespie hopes there are more goals to come from himself.

He told the Tele: "It is massive that the midfield chip in and share the burden along with the stikers, we can’t just rely on the forwards to get us goals and win us matches.

"It is vitally important that midfielders contribute towards goals - and even the defenders from set-pieces.

"They are massive in games.

"It is up to everybody to chip in with as many as possible, so it was nice to get a goal in the friendly and hopefully I can add a few more over this season."

The 31-year-old says the final friendly of the summer was a worthwhile trip across the border and helped build up fitness levels.

He told the Tele: "It was a good test, obviously Carlisle are a good English League Two outfit.

"It gave the gaffer a chance to get minutes into the legs of those coming back from injury, to try out different personnel, and see boys who have not played together as much.

"We are a relatively new team still getting to know each other, so it gave the gaffer a good chance to try different partnerships.

"Myself and Jack Baird both missed the game against Falkirk in the League Cup on Saturday and Darragh O’Connor, Kyle Jacobs and Robbie Muirhead needed time on the pitch as well.

"It was frustrating to miss the cup game, especially as I wasn’t aware that I was suspended up until a week before it.

"I was building up all the way through pre-season and looking towards that first competitive game, but it [the ban] is just one of those things that you just have to get on with.

"Jack and me were there supporting the boys and now we are just looking forward to the Clyde game at the weekend.

"This is what you work hard for in pre-season - I am chomping at the bit to get involved in the real stuff and hopefully I can make my first competitive Morton appearance on Saturday and help us get the result we want."