Morrison Shines in Northern Ireland's Victory, Earning Manager's Trust

Kieran Morrison made quite the statement during his first international start, helping Northern Ireland to a convincing 3-0 victory against Ukraine. The Liverpool winger, currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, played a pivotal role, providing the assist for Isaac Price’s second goal in a standout performance in Trnava. At just 19 years old, Morrison was one of three changes made by manager Michael O'Neill for this Nations League clash, and he thrived in an inside forward position on the right. After being an unused substitute in the opening matches against Georgia and Hungary, Morrison was keen to show he could live up to O'Neill’s expectations. “I’ve been biding my time after the first two games,” he shared with BBC Sport NI's Gavin Andrews. “I was training well, working hard, and I'm glad he trusts me enough to give me the start. I think I did well enough.” With Price scoring his 11th international goal thanks to Morrison's cross, the young winger has certainly made a case for a continued spot in the lineup against Georgia at Windsor Park on Monday. “Thought he was really good,” praised Price. “He’s a different threat than what we have had before. A really good crosser of the ball and he has come in and given the manager a headache with a game on Monday.” Despite receiving accolades for his crossing ability, Morrison admitted that his instinct wasn't to deliver the ball into the box initially. “To be fair, I wasn't going to cross it,” he said. “I was thinking, 'OK, get the ball and do some stepovers,' but then I just set it back and whipped it in.” Morrison, who qualifies for Northern Ireland through his mother, is keen to maintain his position for the upcoming match. “It’s going to be great,” he said about the prospect of playing at Windsor Park. “I’ve never played there before. Hopefully, I get the start; if not, I hope to come on and make an impact.”