Express & Star

Walsall vs Middlesbrough U21s: Kieron Morris keen to take his chance to shine

Kieron Morris is out to impress manager Dean Keates tonight as Walsall prepare to take on Middlesbrough in the Checkatrade Trophy.

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The Saddlers welcome Boro’s under-21s side to the Banks’s Stadium in what is their second match in Northern Group E.

Morris came off the bench on Saturday to net a 94th-minute winner at Bristol Rovers.

That result lifted the Saddlers up to fifth in League One with a quarter of the season having been played.

But while Walsall have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, Morris has seen his playing time restricted with Zeli Ismail and Josh Ginnelly having been preferred on the wings.

The 24-year-old is expected to start tonight with Keates set to ring the changes for the cup clash.

And Morris knows he needs to impress again if he is to win a place in the side when the Saddlers return to league action at Luton on October 20.

“The manager showed he has faith in me by bringing me off the bench against Bristol Rovers,” he said.

“Just before I came on he told me to stake a claim and I did that.

“But I’ve got to go again now.

“Hopefully I will play against Middlesbrough, I really hope I do.

“It will give me another opportunity show what I can do and try and get back in the team.”

Morris scored just three goals in 48 appearances for the Saddlers last season.

But he has four in just 11 outings this term.

And after scoring thunderbolts against Wimbledon and Macclesfield, the wideman is feeling more confident in front of goal.

“My goal record this season is very good especially compared to last year,” Morris continued. “I scored three all season but I’ve already got four and we’re only two months into the campaign.

“I feel on form and I feel more confident in front of goal – especially after the strikes against Wimbledon and Macclesfield.

“I’m feeling confident, the staff are telling me to get more shots off and that’s what I’m trying to do.”