MORTON youngster Lewis McGregor believes the arrival of Liam Grimshaw can help take his game to the next level.

Grimshaw joined Ton on a short-term deal until January last week after being released by Motherwell after making 100 appearances for the Fir Park club.

McGregor says the versatile 27-year-old, who can play in midfield and defence, has brought an extra competitive edge to training.

The 18-year-old is relishing the challenge and he insists that bodes well in his development to become a first-team regular.

He told the Tele: "There is definitely competition for places in midfield.

"It is very competitive with Liam's arrival.

"He is very versatile, it is good getting a bit of a challenge.

"It makes everyone work harder in training with better players.

"It makes it more competitive and enjoyable with players of Liam's quality in the squad and I'm relishing the challenge."

Injury has hindered McGregor's start to the Championship campaign.

The midfielder hopes his frustrating time on the sidelines is behind him after making his first league appearance of the season in Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Arbroath.

McGregor has urged his team-mates to put the setback against the Red Lichties behind them as they look to progress in the SPFL Trust Trophy against Ayr United tomorrow night.

He said: "It was good to get some minutes.

"The gaffer just said to go on and run basically. Running is one of my main strengths.

"We were gutted about the outcome, but we need just to move on and get ourselves up for tomorrow now.

"We just need to get back at things against Ayr.

"It was a strain in my hip that left me out of a few games and a few weeks at training.

"It was frustrating missing out but hopefully I can bounce back and start getting a bit more game time.

"I want to kick on for the rest of the season.

"I just need to be prepared. If I do get the chance I need to give it my all.

"I'm definitely hoping for more opportunities, but I am just happy to be back."

The youth academy graduate says Ton have no excuses for the result and performance at the weekend as the Ton suffered their second defeat in a row.

He added: "We have to move on from it now and get it out the system with a good result against Ayr tomorrow.

"We have to leave the Arbroath game in the past and bounce back.

"I just think we had a bad day at the office to be honest.

"Training was good that week and we just didn’t take it into the game, which was disappointing, but hopefully we will bounce back tomorrow and progress to the next round."