Morrison grateful for Derby chance
Published:Saturday | August 14, 2021 | 12:06 AM
Having made an instant impact in his first game for English Championship side Derby County, national midfielder Ravel Morrison says that he is ready to silence his critics and perform to his potential.
Morrison scored his first goal for Derby on Tuesday, in his club debut in their English Football League Cup first-round win over League Two outfit Salford City on Tuesday. Morrison scored from outside the penalty area to level the match at 3-3 and, after it finished in a draw in regulation, Derby won 5-3 on penalties.
Morrison signed as a free agent last Saturday after being on trial with the club for a month and, according to the club website, head coach Wayne Rooney made the decision to acquire him after he impressed during his two pre-season games against former club Manchester United and Real Betis. In an interview with Talksport Radio on Thursday, Morrison said it was nice to be in an environment where he will have a consistent opportunity to prove himself.
“All the coaching staff, everyone in the building, all the players, have made me welcome. It feels like I have been here a few seasons the way that they have welcomed me into the team,” Morrison said. “It’s been comfortable and enjoyable. I feel like I have got some good teammates around me. Good staff, great manager. Someone that is willing to play me and give me a chance. And I feel like this can be a good season.”
This is Morrison’s 12th club of his well-travelled career that has included stops in Sweden, Mexico, Italy as well as English Championship clubs such as Queens Park Rangers, Birmingham City and Cardiff City. He has, however, not managed to make his stays permanent for various reasons. Rooney, in an interview in July, said that Morrison has improved the training standards of the club since he has arrived.
His critics have said he has failed to fulfil his potential and, when asked if he was ready to silence them, he said that he is up to the challenge.
“It’s time to prove people wrong,” Morrison said.
Morrison’s deal will run through to the end of the season. While he sat in the stands for Derby’s English Championship season-opening 1-1 draw against Huddersfield last week, he could feature in today’s league game against Peterborough.