Morgan takes his Scotland bow early

Ex-Saints star wastes no time in showing why he was picked for squad

Lewis Morgan put the cap on a whirlwind campaign by making his Scotland bow in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The 21-year-old was introduced as a second-half substitute as the national side went down 2-0 at the hands of Peru in Lima.

The winger may have only got 20 minutes under his belt after replacing West Bromwich Albion midfielder Matt Phillips for his international debut, but he still managed to impress on what proved to be a frustrating evening for the Scots.

The former St Mi r ren midfielder’s recent switch to Celtic will see him make a leap in class as he looks to force himself into the Hoops starting XI. And he has done his chances no harm after proving that he has something to offer the Tartan Army.

Morgan penned a deal with Celtic in January, only to return to Saints on loan immediately, before going on to fire the Paisley side to the Championship title, with a host of stellar performances along the way.

His displays would earn him the call- up for the South American friendlies against Peru and Mexico, as well as a host of awards, including the PFA Championship Player of the Year and the Ladbrokes Championship Player of the Year.

Alex McLeish chose to experiment with his squad in Peru, but two goals either side of half-time were enough to consign Scotland to defeat.

The inexperience of the Scotland side told against a Peru team that had over 500 international caps between them compared to the Scots’ 59.

Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna’s rash challenge on Jefferson Farfan gave the hosts the perfect opportunity to fire home from the penalty spot.

And up stepped Cristian Cueva to comfortably slot home beyond debutant Jordan Archer.

Chances came and went for both sides, but it was Peru who always looked the stronger.

And their control of the game finally told in 47 minutes when Farfan rolled the ball home beyond a stranded Archer in goals.

McLeish rolled with the subs as Morgan, Graeme Shinnie and Chris Cadden were all introduced for their debuts in the closing stages.

Morgan, in particular, was a shining light, but Scotland were unable to reduce the scoreline.

Peru now fly to Europe for their first World Cup outing in 36 years, meanwhile Scotland have a friendly with Mexico to contend with in the coming days.

Morgan, in particular, was a shining light, but Scotland were unable to reduce the scoreline