MORTON favourite Ryan Mullen hopes that the bond created between the team and the Ton faithful can be built upon to make Cappielow a place to be feared this season.

The Ton goalkeeper is better placed than anyone to know how it feels to have more than a thousand fans behind him, backing him to the hilt.

He says that energy can help push his side on in what promises to be a Championship campaign where there’s no room for error.

And he says the Cowshed faithful can be a vital 12th man again this season as he targets getting off to a winning start at home against Hamilton this weekend.

He told the Tele: “I’ve noticed since coming in, the efforts that are being made by both the fans and the club to build up that connection that we saw last season.

“The crowds are getting bigger, there’s more of a turnout, and there’s more of an effort from our side to mingle with the fans, and there’s a buzz about the place.

“Hopefully, with the performances that we want to put in, that can only get stronger.

“I remember how it felt in the Motherwell game last season. The crowd were right on top of you. That kicks the boys on.

“They’re definitely our 12th man and hopefully they can come out in their numbers and help us get off to a flyer this weekend.

“It’s going to be such a tight league this year, but if we can show up well at home then we should be a match if not better than most of the teams in the league.

“It’s good to be back at home and back in front of the home support again so hopefully we can get off to a good start.”