Shayden Morris on his unseen Aberdeen inspiration from Raheem Sterling and brutal advice from Scotland hero
The season ended in Scottish Cup glory for Morris but he is already gearing up for next season
Shayden Morris has been studying footage of Raheem Sterling in his prime in a bid to shine for Aberdeen on the continent.
The winger was one of the Dons' main players last term, helping them to Scottish Cup glory after being named their player of the year.
That followed the 23-year-old Englishman working hard on the defensive side of his game under Jimmy Thelin.
But Morris has also taken steps to add more creativity and finishing touches by watching England winger Sterling at the top of his game at Manchester City for tips.
A Europa League assault looms for Dons while Sterling and his Chelsea team-mates are Champions League bound.
Londoner Morris said: 'I still watch old Raheem Sterling clips from the Man City days to study his movement.
'I want to improve on that so, even before games, sometimes I'll study him.
'He has pace but he's also got the skill to make the most of that, so I'm trying to add stuff that he did.
'I like to think I'm slowly getting better at that so I can help the team as much as possible.'
It coincides with the former Fleetwood youngster moving to a new agency, where he can lean on former Scotland international Robert Snodgrass for on-field advice.
Morris added: 'I've got a good support system around me with my agent Joe Bolger as we do a lot of analysis.
'Also, Snodgrass is part of the agency and we do a lot of stuff together as well. He was a winger and quite a technical player, although he didn't have as much pace as me.
'In fact, he told me 'I didn't have your pace but I've got the other side of the game'.
'So if he can help me with that other side, hopefully I can merge into something really special.'
The Dons hierarchy remain in discussions with Morris and his representatives over a contract extension.
His deal is up next summer and talks have been ongoing for several week, with Thelin hoping an agreement can be thrashed out.
His season may have ended only a week-and-a-half ago but the Pittodrie favourite cannot wait to return to playing group stage games when Dons go into the Europa League play-off round knowing they are set for regular games in either that tourney or the Conference.
Morris was involved at that play-off stage two seasons ago when Barry Robson's side lost out to BK Hacken.
He then missed the majority of the Conference League group stage games due to injury. Now he is determined to ensure both he and Aberdeen make their mark.
He said: 'I played in the two Hacken games, then I got injured but got back for the win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
'It was massive to be in the side who beat them as they are a big name in Europe and it was a moment to remember.
'Hopefully I can go into it fully fit and create more of those memorable nights for the club.
'It was hard for me last time. I even missed the travelling to the away games because I was working so hard to get back fit.
'So I would even look forward to that side of playing in European football.'
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