Ben Armour hopes Peterhead can give him the platform to return to full-time football.
Armour became the club’s fourth signing of the summer last week after leaving Morton and hopes success with the Blue Toon can prove what he is capable of.
After starting his youth career with Queen’s Park, Armour was recruited by Morton boss Jim Duffy for their academy. Duffy pushed him through into the first-team, handing his debut against Dunfermline in 2017 and later signing him on loan for Dumbarton.
The 21-year-old owes a great deal to Duffy and his assistant Craig MacPherson for his development and hopes to continue it under another ex-Morton manager Jim McInally.
He said: “It’s definitely something I’m looking to get back into and hopefully Peterhead can be somewhere I can show I can play at that level. At the same time, I want to put in as many good performances as I can to help the team.
“I love the lifestyle, training every day. It’s not for some people and they don’t enjoy it. I’m not struggling adjusting to being part-time but it does take some time.
“I owe Jim a lot – he gave me an opportunity. He signed me when I was younger from Queens Park and offered me my first full-time contract. He played a massive part in pushing me into the first-team and eventually giving me my debut.
“Jim was harsh and honest, which is all I wanted. He didn’t tell lies and would be brutally honest if I was miles away. That’s what I needed as it made me work harder. I owe him a massive amount.
“Craig MacPherson was a bit softer, more of an arm round the shoulder guy, but he was really honest with me too.”
McInally was a big factor in convincing Armour to come to Peterhead after his release from Morton and he did his research before committing to joining.
Blue Toon midfielder Simon Ferry had been in contact prior to his move and he also knew fellow new signings Aidan Smith and Scott Hooper from a loan spell at Annan Athletic.
Armour added: “I spoke to a lot of people about the manager and the club and they all said it was brilliant. You’re well looked after.
“I was in close contact with Simon Ferry and he adores the gaffer. He (McInally) gives you the chance to prove yourself.
“At first, the three of us (Armour, Smith, Hooper) stuck together but we’ve integrated well. There’s a bus of about 10 of us that come up from Glasgow, which is a good laugh. The travelling might put some people off but it flies by.”
Armour featured against Aberdeen in pre-season and will be in the squad for tonight’s Betfred Cup tie with Caley Thistle.
He added: “It was massive for me at Morton playing against teams like Dundee United and Inverness, teams I’d grown up watching. They’re great games to play in and prove you’re good enough to be at that level.”
