Adam Morgan readied for Saints challenge by Suarez

ADAM Morgan knows he faces a tough challenge to fill the boots of prolific striker Stevie May.

Adam Morgan. Picture: Getty

May yesterday signed a four-year deal with English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday after they agreed to pay St Johnstone £800,000.

The Scotland under-21 star bagged 27 goals last season as Saints won the Scottish Cup for the first time in their history and netted in Europa League clashes with Luzern and Spartak Trnava this term. But one-time Liverpool youngster Morgan has faced more daunting hurdles.

Before leaving Anfield for Yeovil, St Johnstone’s new loan signing was up against the likes of Luis Suarez as he tried to make a name for himself.

Saints manager Tommy Wright confirmed the 20-year-old, a former England under-19 international, will feature as Saints face Ross County today in their SPFL curtain raiser.

Morgan’s youth career on Merseyside was full of promise but the arrival of manager Brendan Rodgers from Swansea triggered massive investment by a club desperate to bring back the glory days.

As a lifelong fan, Morgan was thrilled, but he knew the signings would block his path to the first team.

He said: “When you see guys like Luis Suarez coming in it can be hard for a young lad. But I lived my dream, I played three times for the first team and was on the bench in Premier League games. It looks good saying you are a Liverpool player but I can’t be a reserve team player my whole life.

“I had to make a massive decision and I made it off my own back leaving for Yeovil rather than staying in my comfort zone at Liverpool. It had a huge effect on my life. It didn’t work out great but hopefully now I can make an impact here.

“It was amazing training with guys like Suarez and Gerrard at Liverpool. These guys just saying good morning to you made your day. They would share jokes with you and that was the best time of my life but I am only 20 and, hopefully, there are more great memories to be created.”

Morgan admits his knowledge of Scottish football is limited.

But he added: “I have played twice against Hearts in Europe. I made my Liverpool debut in the last few minutes at Tynecastle and I started the return game at Anfield a week later.

“I watched the [St Johnstone] team against Spartak Trnava on the telly and they looked a very good team. I will meet the lads before we head up north to play Ross County. I’m looking forward to getting going here.”