MORTON kid Alexander King says that competition for places couldn't be higher as every member of the squad looks to do their bit to impress Cappielow gaffer Dougie Imrie.

The 19-year-old utility man says that the levels in training have gone up in recent weeks with members of the squad more than aware that they've got a fight on their hands to earn a spot in the Morton starting line-up every week.

King has started the last two gamesKing has started the last two games (Image: Gary Bradley)

And the academy product reckons that can only be a good thing, heading into a tough run of away fixtures as the Greenock men look to continue their good vein of recent form.

He told the Tele: “We’re on a good run just now heading into this run of games. But every game in this league is as difficult as one another.

“If we’re able to keep on playing in a similar vein of form to the one that we are just now, then I think we’ll be able to navigate our way through the next few games.

“Confidence within the group is really high now as a result, so we’ll need to see what happens over the next few games.

“I think this run of games gives us the opportunity to go and show what we’re all about.

“It’s a chance for us to go and make a statement and I think if we play like we do in training and the way that the gaffer wants us too, then we should be fine.

“Training has definitely upped in intensity over the last few weeks.

“I think it’s started to be recognised that there’s boys who are choking to play - so everyone’s ramped it up a wee bit.

“There’s a few more tackles going in than usual but it’s really good to be a part of because it improves you as a player.”

King has found himself become Mr. Versatile in recent weeks turning out both at left back and right back in recent weeks.

And he says that can only be a good weapon to hold in his armoury as he looks to impress Morton chief Dougie Imrie.

He added: "Having that versatility in my game is something that I can work on and have in my armoury moving forward.

“It’s obviously a good thing for the manager to have as well, a player who can cover a couple of positions - there’s a couple of players in the squad who can do that.

“Luckily I’m seen as one of those and I’m happy to help out as and when I can.

“The gaffer hasn’t really said anything different to me before either game.

“The message usually is, just keep your head down and work hard. That’s what I keep on doing and hopefully I’ve done enough to impress him."