Fleetwood’s Morris can’t wait for big kick off

There are just two days to go until Town’s League One curtain-raiser against Crewe Alexandra at Highbury.

The club’s last competitive game ended in Wembley glory and promotion to the third tier.

And Morris, who returned to Fleetwood on a six-month loan from Blackburn Rovers, wants to build on that amazing success - of which he played a big part.

“It wasn’t a long summer break, the memories are still fresh,” said Morris.

“All the lads are still buzzing.

“We need to pick up where we left off and carry it on into this season.

“All the lads are excited, particularly after the last pre-season game on Saturday.

“We did alright but we should have won.

“We’ll save it for this week, we can’t wait to get started.

“We created a lot of chances at the weekend but now we need to stick them away when it counts.”

Town’s first game is against a Crewe side tipped to struggle and already favourites for the drop.

It’s been a tough summer for Alex boss Steve Davis - who has only managed to add three faces to his Gresty Road squad who relied on loan players last time around to dig them out of the relegation mire.

But Morris insists Fleetwood will take nothing for granted against their opening day opponents.

He said:”You can’t really say who is going to struggle and who isn’t.

“Especially at the start of the season.

“Everyone is fresh, everyone’s up for it.

“You’ve just got to try and hit the ground running.

“We need to prove a point of why we’re in the division and what we want to achieve.”

Town haven’t seen the need to make radical changes over the summer - a fact which delights Morris, the close group of players at Fleetwood a big influence on his decision to return.

And he’s confident the group, which includes a number of Crewe old-boys – including Antoni Sarcevic, Gareth Evans, Steven Schumacher and Mark Roberts, can do well.

He said:”There’s not too many additions, not too many have gone.

“It’s a great set of lads and that was a big reason I wanted to be here.

“We’ve got a great group and I’m so glad to be back.

“I’ve played at this level a few times.

“I think we should be fine.

“It’s all about making a good start but we’re positive, we should be fine.”

The midfielder, who played wide on the left in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Partick 
Thistle, was part of the team when Fleetwood secured their Wembley place in front of a packed out Highbury crowd.

He’s hoping for another big atmosphere on Saturday.

“The pitch is amazing, the crowd are great,” said the 23-year-old left sided midfielder.

“We just need a good atmosphere and three points to match.

“It’s always exciting kicking off a new campaign.

“We’ve had five tough weeks of training, coming in, triple sessions and all.

“It’s now down to business.

“This is where it starts and it really is what we all look forward to.”

As for his long-term future, Morris wasn’t willing to look beyond his contracted spell.

He said:”I’m here for six months and that, right now, is all I can think about.

“It’s up to Blackburn and Fleetwood what happens after that.

“I’ve just got to concentrate on the football and helping Fleetwood while I’m here.”

Fleetwood are rumoured to have made a bid for Inverness striker Billy McKae as they face going into Saturday’s game with only two fit frontmen.

The club were yesterday waiting on the outcome of a scan on the injured Jamille Matt.

Movement in the transfer market might suggest the forward will be sidelined for a significant period having fallen awkwardly in the closing stages of Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Parcick Thistle.

There is no word yet from Town on the extent of Matt’s injury.

The club are no strangers to McKae having been on the wrong end of his goal-scoring antics when they visited Inverness in pre-season.

The Northern Irishman has scored 44 goals in 88 appearances for Thistle, including 22 last season.

Neither club have yet confirmed whether a bid has been made or accepted.

He may not be the only man of interest for Town.

Fleetwood boss Graham Alexander watched Wolves in action on Tuesday night when they played a pre-season friendly at Chester.