Lewis Morgan’s recovery from injury has come at a timely period – are we now finally about to see the best of him?
The former St Mirren youngster arrived in the summer to real rave reviews. Signed in January 2018, Celtic allowed him to spend the second half of last season in Paisley. He was then part of Jack Ross’ Championship-winning side.
During his spell under Ross, he managed to bag 29 goals in four-and-a-half years at the club. It’s a solid return from a left-winger, and he was also their most creative spark in terms of assists.
Yet, it’s a massive step-up for the youngster. Despite impressing on his two Scotland outings against Peru and Mexico, Morgan still has to impress at Parkhead.
The knee knock
A mysterious knee injury rocked him for around six weeks, and now he’s finally found himself back in training. Initially, Morgan started brightly in his debut cameo against Alashkert. Almost immediately, however, his injury set him back massively.
Where he has gotten lucky so far is that nobody has made the left-wing spot their own. Callum McGregor can play there, but he’s surely eyeing a more central role. Meanwhile, Scott Sinclair is still trying to find the form that made him a hero in his debut season at Parkhead.
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Where there could be an intriguing battle is with fellow youngster Mikey Johnston. Rodgers has given the academy prospect several outings in recent weeks, and supporters are impressed. In terms of making the left-wing spot his own, Morgan could have trouble there.
He’ll also want to start nailing down regular game-time before Daniel Arzani returns to full fitness. Rodgers met with Australia’s head coach Graham Arnold to chat with him about the youngster, and Arzani isn’t here to sit on the bench. Manchester City gave him to Celtic to play him when fit. Of course, if he doesn’t perform then that’s another story, but he’s a huge threat to Morgan’s chances.
In the meantime, it’s important the former St Mirren starlet makes an impression. He’s very much seen as a promising young talent, but Celtic have several of them these days.
He looked determined to get to work and impress during training on Thursday, and Hoops fans will be hoping we’re about to see the best of him.