James Morrison (footballer)
Encyclopedia
James Clark Morrison is a Scottish
international footballer who currently plays for West Bromwich Albion
. His ability to run with the ball at pace makes him an effective option through the middle, as an attacking midfielder, or more often as a right winger. Although he was born in England and represented various England junior sides, Morrison chose to play for Scotland
at full international level.
in Darlington
, Morrison is a product of Middlesbrough
's youth academy. He starred in Middlesbrough's FA Youth Cup
winning side in 2003–04
, putting in several eye-catching performances throughout the cup run, notably scoring in the final first leg 3–0 win against Aston Villa
.
victory against Notts County
. His Premiership debut came four months later, when he replaced Stewart Downing
in a 5–1 defeat away at Portsmouth
on the final day of the 2003–04 season. Morrison's first European action for Boro was on 30 September 2004 in a UEFA Cup
tie away at Banik Ostrava. He marked the occasion by scoring his first goal for the club, a last-minute equalizer that secured a 1–1 draw in the second leg and a 4–1 aggregate victory. Morrison started for Middlesbrough in the 2006 UEFA Cup Final
against Sevilla. On 19 March 2007, he was sent off in an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United
for a kick out at Cristiano Ronaldo
.
, for an initial £1.5 million fee. This fee could rise by a further £700,000, depending on Morrison's appearances for the Baggies. Middlesbrough will also receive 15% of any sell-on fee. Morrison made his Albion debut as a 2nd-half substitute in a 2–1 defeat away at Burnley
on the opening day of the 2007–08
season. His first goal for the club was a second half winner in a 2–1 home victory over Blackpool
on 23 October 2007, a strike that won him the West Bromwich Albion Supporters Club's Goal of the Season award. Morrison described it at the time as "the best goal I've scored in my career".
Morrison impressed in the first team throughout the 2008–09 season. He scored three goals in total over the course of the season, including his goals home and away against Aston Villa
. On New Years Day 2011, he scored a 20 yard volley in a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United
.
, apart from the full side. Along with Leicester City
's Steve Howard
and Aston Villa
's Gabriel Agbonlahor
, Morrison was one of a number of English Premier League players identified in June 2007 as being eligible to play for Scotland
. He qualifies to play for the team through his grandparents. Morrison later chose to represent Scotland, claiming that he felt his "opportunities with England will be limited".
After receiving international clearance from FIFA
, Morrison joined up with the Scotland squad for training in August 2007. He was unable to make his debut in the friendly against South Africa
however, due to injury. Morrison was named in the Scotland B squad to face the Republic of Ireland in November, but injury forced him to withdraw from the squad again. He finally made his debut in the friendly against the Czech Republic
in Prague
, on 30 May 2008.
He scored for Scotland in the 3-1 win against Wales on 25 May 2011 in the Celtic Nations Cup tournament in Dublin.
West Bromwich Albion
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
international footballer who currently plays for West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
. His ability to run with the ball at pace makes him an effective option through the middle, as an attacking midfielder, or more often as a right winger. Although he was born in England and represented various England junior sides, Morrison chose to play for Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
at full international level.
Early career
A former pupil of Hummersknott SchoolHummersknott School
Hummersknott Academy is a secondary school in Darlington in the north east of England. It schools approximately 1250 pupils aged eleven to sixteen. It has specialist Language College status...
in Darlington
Darlington
Darlington is a market town in the Borough of Darlington, part of the ceremonial county of County Durham, England. It lies on the small River Skerne, a tributary of the River Tees, not far from the main river. It is the main population centre in the borough, with a population of 97,838 as of 2001...
, Morrison is a product of Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
's youth academy. He starred in Middlesbrough's FA Youth Cup
FA Youth Cup
The Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under–18 sides. Only those players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August of the current season are eligible to take part...
winning side in 2003–04
2003-04 in English football
The 2003-04 season was the 124th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:Arsenal completed the entire campaign without losing a single league game....
, putting in several eye-catching performances throughout the cup run, notably scoring in the final first leg 3–0 win against Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
.
Middlesbrough
His initial outings in the first team displayed some promise as well. He made his first-team debut on 3 January 2004, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2–0 FA CupFA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
victory against Notts County
Notts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
. His Premiership debut came four months later, when he replaced Stewart Downing
Stewart Downing
Stewart Downing is an English footballer who plays for Liverpool and the England national team. Primarily a winger, Downing has previously played for Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.-Middlesbrough:...
in a 5–1 defeat away at Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
on the final day of the 2003–04 season. Morrison's first European action for Boro was on 30 September 2004 in a UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
tie away at Banik Ostrava. He marked the occasion by scoring his first goal for the club, a last-minute equalizer that secured a 1–1 draw in the second leg and a 4–1 aggregate victory. Morrison started for Middlesbrough in the 2006 UEFA Cup Final
2006 UEFA Cup Final
The 2006 UEFA Cup Final was a football match that took place at Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, on 10 May 2006. The match was contested by Middlesbrough of England and Sevilla of Spain. Sevilla won the UEFA Cup with a 4–0 win.-Match details:...
against Sevilla. On 19 March 2007, he was sent off in an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
for a kick out at Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
.
West Brom
On 7 August 2007, Morrison signed a four-year contract with West Bromwich AlbionWest Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
, for an initial £1.5 million fee. This fee could rise by a further £700,000, depending on Morrison's appearances for the Baggies. Middlesbrough will also receive 15% of any sell-on fee. Morrison made his Albion debut as a 2nd-half substitute in a 2–1 defeat away at Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
on the opening day of the 2007–08
2007-08 in English football
The 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...
season. His first goal for the club was a second half winner in a 2–1 home victory over Blackpool
Blackpool F.C.
Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 from the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. They are competing in the 2011–12 season of the The Championship, the second tier of professional football in England, having been relegated from the Premier League at the end of the...
on 23 October 2007, a strike that won him the West Bromwich Albion Supporters Club's Goal of the Season award. Morrison described it at the time as "the best goal I've scored in my career".
Morrison impressed in the first team throughout the 2008–09 season. He scored three goals in total over the course of the season, including his goals home and away against Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
. On New Years Day 2011, he scored a 20 yard volley in a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
.
International career
Morrison played at every level for EnglandEngland national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
, apart from the full side. Along with Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
's Steve Howard
Steve Howard
Steven John "Steve" Howard is a Scottish-English footballer currently playing for Championship side Leicester City.Howard is renowned for his aerial strength...
and Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
's Gabriel Agbonlahor
Gabriel Agbonlahor
Gabriel Imuetinyan "Gabby" Agbonlahor is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Aston Villa. Agbonlahor is a product of Aston Villa's Academy and has earned three caps for the English national team. He is currently the longest-serving player at Villa Park, joining as a youth player in...
, Morrison was one of a number of English Premier League players identified in June 2007 as being eligible to play for Scotland
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
. He qualifies to play for the team through his grandparents. Morrison later chose to represent Scotland, claiming that he felt his "opportunities with England will be limited".
After receiving international clearance from FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
, Morrison joined up with the Scotland squad for training in August 2007. He was unable to make his debut in the friendly against South Africa
South Africa national football team
The South Africa national football team represents South Africa in association football and is controlled by the South African Football Association, the governing body for football in South Africa. South Africa's home ground is Soccer City, known as FNB Stadium due to a naming rights deal, in...
however, due to injury. Morrison was named in the Scotland B squad to face the Republic of Ireland in November, but injury forced him to withdraw from the squad again. He finally made his debut in the friendly against the Czech Republic
Czech Republic national football team
The Czech Republic national football team represents the Czech Republic in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic, the governing body for football in the Czech Republic. Their current head coach is Michal Bílek...
in Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
, on 30 May 2008.
He scored for Scotland in the 3-1 win against Wales on 25 May 2011 in the Celtic Nations Cup tournament in Dublin.
Honours
MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
- FA Youth CupFA Youth CupThe Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under–18 sides. Only those players between the age of 15 and 18 on 31 August of the current season are eligible to take part...
: 2004; Runner-up 2003 - UEFA Cup Runner-up: 20062006 UEFA Cup FinalThe 2006 UEFA Cup Final was a football match that took place at Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, on 10 May 2006. The match was contested by Middlesbrough of England and Sevilla of Spain. Sevilla won the UEFA Cup with a 4–0 win.-Match details:...
West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
- Football League ChampionshipFootball League ChampionshipThe Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
(II): 2008