Jody Morris tips Kevin Moon to shine

May 12 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

JODY Morris reckons home-grown talent Kevin Moon can go right to the top.

The former Chelsea midfielder has watched and admired the youngster blossom since recovering from injury.

Moon, who won the final Irn-Bru player of the month award, was delighted to accept the accolade at Hampden Park.

It may have surprised the local hero but former Premiership player Morris reckons he should get used to the accolades.

“I’ve been blown away by Mooner’s recent performances,” said Morris. “He was man of the match for me against Morton when we tied-up the title.

“He has more than a chance. He has to keep it going and continue to work hard. I’m sure he is a player who will go on to bigger and better things.”

Moon has paid tribute to Morris, Paul Sheerin and manager Derek McInnes for influencing a career which threatened to stall as injuries took their toll.

But the Perth playmaker returned to action late in the campaign and played a key role in securing the results required to clinch the championship.

Morris played only bit parts in the run-in but that didn’t stop him milking every moment of the celebrations.

He revealed that close friends Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard were among the first on the phone to congratulate him.

The skippers of Manchester United and Chelsea had Champions League semi-finals on their minds but still took time out to call their long-time pal.

Morris has a medal collection that most Scottish pros would envy. It includes UEFA Cup, FA Cup and Charity Shield honours from his glitzy Stamford Bridge days.

But he told PA Sport: “It has been a great time for me. Everyone was buzzing after the Morton game. It was brilliant winning the title in style.

“I got a lot of calls after the game. Rio and Lamps were quick on the blower.

“They’ve won the lot in their careers and they reminded me not to let it pass me by. It’s the first title I’ve ever won and it means such a lot.

“I knew I had to savour it because when I was younger I thought these days would happen regularly.

“I warned the younger lads here to make the most of it because I didn’t cherish big wins as much as I should have. It was great having a few beers and celebrating with guys you’ve become very close to. I missed that dressing room buzz when I was out of football for a few months. You bond with 20-odd lads and it was fantastic being able to celebrate with them and their families.

“I came to Scotland to win this division and play in the SPL with Saints. It can’t come soon enough for me.”

FORMER Saints striker Jason Scotland popped into McDiarmid during a return trip north. The Swansea City player has enjoyed another successful season and finds himself being chased by several Premiership clubs. A transfer fee in excess of £2 million is being bandied about. He was out of contract at Perth and Saints banked only a modest five-figure sum when he left.

WITH Saints facing Airdrie last night the shirt sponsors event planned for McDiarmid had to be put on hold. The club is working on an alternative date.