Sheffield Wednesday new boy Kieran Morrison says the size of the club, its history and its fans made the opportunity to move to Hillsborough impossible to resist.
The 19-year-old winger has joined the Owls from Liverpool on a season-long loan and is available to make his debut in Thursday night's League One clash with Bradford City.
Morrison arrives at S6 after an outstanding campaign for Liverpool Under-21s, where he scored 15 goals and registered seven assists, earning a nomination for the Premier League 2 Player of the Year award.
But it was the opportunity to become part of Wednesday's rebuild that immediately appealed to the Northern Ireland international.
Speaking to the official Sheffield Wednesday website, Morrison said: “It’s a massive club with great history and even better fans, so I'm glad to get it over the line and I'm excited to play in front of everyone.”
He added: “Everyone knows that the rebuild is now and I want to be part of it. It's a great squad in a competitive league but I feel like we can do really well in this league and I want to help in any way possible.”
Pedersen's approach made an impression
Morrison also revealed that Henrik Pedersen's conversations with him went well beyond what he could offer Wednesday on the pitch.
The Owls boss spoke about the person he wanted Morrison to become during his year at Hillsborough, something the youngster admitted he had not expected.
“He wasn't really talking about my footballing ability, he was just talking to me as a person,” Morrison explained.
“He wants me to become a better person, so that was eye-opening because I didn't expect it from the gaffer.
“He's a great guy and I can't wait to play under him.”
Morrison's enthusiasm appears to have been evident from the outset. Sporting Director Simon Wilson described their conversation as “the shortest player call we have ever had”, such was the winger's determination to make the move.
Wilson believes the loan should work for all parties, giving Morrison exposure to senior football, huge crowds and the high-intensity style Pedersen is building at Hillsborough while providing Wednesday with a talented attacking player capable of making an immediate impact.
A highly-rated Liverpool prospect
Morrison started out in Manchester United's academy before joining Liverpool as an Under-14 scholar.
He progressed through the age groups at Anfield, signed his first professional contract in 2024 and has since been involved with the Liverpool first team, including making his senior debut in the Carabao Cup.
His performances at Under-21 level last season were rewarded with a new four-year Liverpool contract in May.
At international level, Morrison represented Northern Ireland at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level before making his senior debut in a 4-0 victory over Guinea in June.
He will wear number 20 for Wednesday and could get his first taste of Hillsborough on Thursday, with a huge crowd expected for the Owls' first home league fixture of the season.
For a player who says he was attracted by the club and its fans, there could hardly be a better introduction.
Image credit : swfc.co uk