Bob McHugh has begged boss Stuart McCall to give him the nod to be Motherwell’s goal-getter in the new season.
With the departure of both James McFadden and Henri Anier, the Fir Park boss is in the market for more firepower, with former hero David Clarkson currently training with the squad in the Algarve.
However, 22-year old McHugh is desperate to be given an extended run in the team to prove he can be the man to shoot ‘Well into more European and SPFL success.
McHugh made his senior debut under Mark McGhee aged just sixteen, but despite seven years in and around the first-team, he has been unable to hold down a regular starting berth.
However, the former Scotland Youth International admits this season is make-or-break for him at Fir Park.
Speaking to the travelling press at Motherwell’s Portuguese training camp, McHugh said: “I hope this is going to be my season, especially with Faddy and Henri leaving, there’s a jersey up for grabs.
“I’m looking to say to the manager, ‘I’m here and you don’t need to look anywhere else.’
[pullquote]Obviously the manager will look to strengthen the squad with another striker but I want the chance to fill Faddy and Henri’s boots as I feel I could do a job for the team.[/pullquote]
“My contract is up next summer and this is a huge season for me. I’d love to be at ‘Well beyond that so I know I need to perform. I feel I have the ability to play for this club and be successful but it’s up to the manager to give me a shot.
“Then it’s up to me to deliver and to the business when he gives me the nod.”
As McHugh is put through his paces in pre-season, the front man, who spent loan time at Queen of the South last season, is adamant this is the fittest he’s ever been.
He said: “I scored goals when I was out on loan and I enjoyed playing every week. That’s what I’ve really needed in the last couple of seasons, a consistent run of games.
“I have also worked hard over the summer. My fitness is the best it’s ever been and my body fat is right down to a low level and my diet has been great. I took just one week off then got back into it.
“I’ve put the work in over the summer, worked right through and this is the best shape I’ve ever felt. I just wanted to come back to the club in the best possible shape, hit the ground running and really go for it.
“Hopefully it will all have paid off and I will feature more in the first-team.”
Keep up to date with additional information on our pre-season camp via Twitter and some behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram. Action shots from training can also be found on our official Facebook page and videos are at our You Tube channel.