Mentor tips Morgan for big things at Parkhead

CELTIC: Youth chief saw potential in player rejected by Rangers

Lewis Morgan can make a major impact at Parkhead, according to the man who resurrected his career.

Morgan’s hopes of becoming a firstteam star suffered a blow when he was released by Rangers at 16, but St Mirren’s then youth chief, David Longwell, spotted his potential when he saw him play in a trial game for discarded youngsters.

He quickly arranged for the Buddies to snap him up before setting about smoothing out the teenager’s rough edges.

Five years on, his foresight has helped earn the Paisley outfit a £300,000 profit after Morgan moved to Celtic.

The 21- year-old will spend the remainder of the season with Saints as he looks to lead their Ladbrokes Championship title charge, but Longwell believes it will not be long before he is back at Celtic Park forcing his way into the line-up.

As well as shaping Morgan’s career, Longwell has also helped former Buddies John Mcginn and Kenny Mclean on their way to Scotland honours.

But he reckons Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is the right man to take over the development of Saints’ latest product.

“What encourages me when I look at Celtic is the number of players who’ve developed under Brendan,” said Longwell.

“He’s done a great job with Celtic as a team, but also with their individuals.

“People may question Lewis’ decision to make that move because other players have gone to Parkhead and not progressed.

“But I look at Stuart Armstrong who signed from a Scottish club and has been a massive success for Celtic.

“That’s who Lewis should look to emulate.

“It’ll be hard because Celtic are a highlevel club, but he’s very open to learning, so he’ll soak up all the information Brendan gives him and improve.

“I definitely see him making an impact at some point.”

Picture: SNS Group. Celtic signed 21-year-old winger Lewis Morgan from St Mirren.