Sheffield Wednesday head coach Henrik Pedersen has challenged Liverpool loanee Kieran Morrison to produce his best football more consistently. The Owls boss believes the 19-year-old can make significant progress now that he has settled into life at Hillsborough.
Speaking to The Star, Pedersen discussed Morrison alongside Leeds United loanee Harry Gray following their return from international duty. Morrison provided an assist for Northern Ireland against Ukraine, and his manager was pleased with the pair’s attitude after rejoining Wednesday.
“The two young boys have been really happy these last two days and they have worked really hard,” Pedersen said. “I have a meeting with both of them to hear how the week has been and where they are right now.
“But they have been happy with the national team and they are really happy to be back. And they’re both really looking forward to the coming period for both of them.”
Morrison joined Liverpool’s academy at under-14 level after previously being with Manchester United. He contributed 15 goals and seven assists for the Reds’ under-21s last season, made two senior cup appearances and signed a new four-year contract in May before joining Wednesday on a season-long loan in August.
The move represents his first loan spell, giving the winger an opportunity to build his experience of senior league football. Pedersen believes the time spent settling into the club, together with further training and matches, will help him take the next step.
“They are two lovely boys. But one thing is to be lovely boys. They are hungry, young talent. They want to be better. They want to work hard. They want to improve and they want to make a difference.
“And yeah, I’m really, really happy for both of them. And I’m looking forward to the next period because now they are more settled in our club.
“And now when we have another good training week for them and there will come some games, then I’m sure they will both grow a lot with a lot of game practise.”
Consistency: The Next Step For Liverpool’s Morrison
While Pedersen is encouraged by Morrison’s ability, he has identified consistency as an area for improvement. His comments centred on repeating actions throughout a match and reacting quickly when possession changes, with the same challenge applying to Gray.
“As I said to him (Morrison), his top level is high. His bottom level has to be better. Like most all other young guys, this is the difference to be a good talent and to be a good senior player. That the number of actions you have, you repeat again and again.”
Pedersen also outlined the demands placed on young players when the game moves quickly between attack and defence. He stressed that both loanees are working hard to improve those reactions.
“Now we’re on the ball. Now we lose the ball. Now we win the ball. Now we lose the ball. Those connections, there’s no time for evaluation. There’s only the next action. And they are both working very, very hard for this.”
For Morrison, the next stage of his loan is about turning the quality Pedersen has already recognised into performances he can produce regularly. The Wednesday boss clearly believes in his potential, but has also outlined the demands of establishing himself in senior football. With his first loan spell still in its early stages, Morrison has the opportunity to use his time at Hillsborough to develop the consistency that will benefit both the Owls and his longer-term prospects at Liverpool.
