Kieron Morris may have found his best position after excelling in a number ten role for Tranmere Rovers against Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The versatile midfielder bagged a well-taken brace in a fiery 2-2 tie at Prenton Park, and said that he feels the new role suits him.
“I feel more confident playing there as well. I like it in there and they said at training all week that they were going to play me in a number ten role. I feel good in there, I like to get half-turns and shots away.”
Usually touted as a winger, Morris has been played all over the park since signing for Tranmere in January 2019, including at wing-back. He featured for the Super White Army in a deeper central role during last week’s comprehensive 3-1 victory over MK Dons, and his versatility has gone a long way to proving his importance in the squad.
Morris believes that he has proved his importance to the squad through his versatility, citing his defensive capabilities as a factor for winning over his managers confidence.
He said: “Not only am I good at going forward but I think defensively I’m pretty good as well. So that’s why they trust me playing in wing-back and central midfield so I can do the defensive side of the work as well as going forward.”
In this more advanced role Morris is seeking to add another dimension to his game and establish himself as goal threat. He will be hoping that his last game can propel him upwards.
He said: “I’ve got a few assists this season but scoring goals is what stands out the most and I was frustrated not scoring but I’m glad I got a brace today so hopefully I can take that into the next game with that confidence.”
His manager Micky Mellon was quick to heap the praise on his player, saying that he has all the attributes to succeed as an attacking playmaker.
“He’s very technical and he’s very gifted. He’s good at shifting and manipulating the ball, he’s got great energy. He’s more involved in the game there.”
The Scot called upon Morris to excel in front of goal, having not scored at all yet this season.
He said: “He’s a goal threat. We want him to score more. He’s got a good turn of pace so these are the qualities that you would want from a player playing in that area. He’s a very important player this year.”
Wycombe Wanderers will have much to fear if he can replicate his ruthlessness in front of goal, as they are set to make it three games in ten days against the Buckinghamshire side, with both a league fixture and FA Cup replay looming.
See interview below.
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Images taken by Josh Brain
