Sunderland snapped up Lewis Morgan from Celtic on deadline day.
Sunderland boss Jack Ross has told the club’s official website that he immediately warned Lewis Morgan that he’ll have to work hard to play regularly – but he welcomed the challenge.
The Black Cats were active on deadline, and whilst the saga surrounding Will Grigg dominated their headlines, they also snapped up Morgan on loan from Celtic.
Morgan, 22, had excelled under Sunderland manager Ross at St Mirren last season, hitting 18 goals in 42 games to help the side win promotion to the Scottish Premiership.
Morgan linked up with Celtic over the summer, but has struggled for playing time under Brendan Rodgers, leaving some to wonder why the Bhoys signed him in the first place.
Celtic decided to let Morgan go out on loan this month, and sent him to Sunderland in order to reunite with his former manager Ross until the end of the season.
Celtic will be hoping that Morgan returns in the summer ready to kick on at Parkhead, whilst Sunderland will be desperate for the playmaker to aid their promotion hopes.
Ross has revealed that he was very honest with Morgan upon his arrival, warning him that he would have to work hard in order to break into a very strong Sunderland side.
However, Ross added that Morgan responded by welcoming the challenging to get into the team, so it was little surprise to see him start in the win over AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
“I worked closely with Lewis for several years during my time at St Mirren, and his progression at that time was terrific,” said Ross. “I’ve been very open and honest with him about how hard he will have to work to get into our team, as we have some very good players, but he’s welcomed that challenge. He’s still young but he’s an exciting player, and I know exactly what he’s capable of,” he added.
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