One to Watch - Steve Morison

Name: Steve Morison

Date of Birth: 29/8/1983

Nationality: Wales

Former Clubs: Northampton Town, Bishops Stortford, Stevenage Borough, Millwall

League Appearances (Goals): 309 (140)

International Appearances (Goals): 13 (1)

Stat of the Day: Steve Morison has managed a goal every six shots in the Premier League this season (6 in 36)

Chris Smalling, Michael Kightly and Charlie Austin are all rough diamonds that have managed to break through from non-league football and make it in the big time; Steve Morison proudly takes his place amongst this rare crowd and is unfailingly expanding his reputation on the international stage as well as in the Premier League this season. Despite QPR themselves only managing to sign a player that QPR career has only lasted four minutes, Rs fans were unvoiced at their delight at watching fellow promotion rivals Norwich sign strikers James Vaughan and Steve Morison. Whilst the former has only managed to beat Kieron Dyer by a whole 44 game time minutes this season, the latter has put all critics to shame and his 6 goals and 4 assists have been crucial to The Canaries valiant efforts this season.

Despite looking like a mix between a chavvy football hooligan and a part-time builder, Steve Morison utilises his unpleasant looks and physicality to great effect and his fearless, all-action playing style is clearly paying dividends. 88% of the striker`s goals this season have come in and around the six yard box, illustrating his knack of finding himself in the right place at the right time. The Welsh international scored for Millwall against QPR last season, and despite firing a blank in the previous fixture this season, it will be a tough job for the QPR defenders to keep the in-form striker quiet.

Playing Career

Steve Morison joined Northampton Town as part of the club`s youth system and made his debut at the end of the 2001/2001 season against Cambridge United after signing his first two year professional contract. He managed to make 24 appearances over three years at the club but failed to win a regular place in the first team, eventually opting to drop into non-league football with Bishop`s Stortford. He scored on his debut, helped Stortford reach the FA Trophy semi-final and finished the season as the club's top goalscorer, as well as finishing as the 2004/2005 FA Trophy top goalscorer.

His impressive form saw him sign for Stevenage Borough in 2006 where his reputation soon flourished. He consistently topped the goalscoring charts for the club and scored the winner in the FA Trophy in a 3-2 victory against Kidderminster Harriers at Wembley in May 2007. During his three year tenure at the club, Morison made a total of 152 appearances, scoring 89 goals. Morison was also included in the club's 'Wall of Fame', which features 'the six greatest players` in Stevenage's history as voted for by the club's supporters.

His 27 league goals in the 2008/2009 season alerted Millwall manager Kenny Jackett, who tempted the 27-year old striker back into league football with a move to the New Den. His first season in South London was a success as he hit 21 league goals as the Lions won promotion from League One via the play-offs. The 6` 2" striker enjoyed yet another productive season in 2010/2011 with 17 goals in all competitions as the Lions established themselves back in the Championship, before eventually signing for Norwich in June 2011 after handing in a written transfer request.

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