Liverpool Protégé Eases Rodgers Attacking Fears to Stake Contract Claim

Liverpool striker Adam Morgan produced a timely reminder of his burgeoning talent with a stunning 45-yard strike to help beat Manchester City in the Under-21 Premier League at Ewen Fields.

Morgan, who has made just one professional appearance in The Reds first team, opened the scoring in the first half with a dipping strike which left City stopper Ian Lawlor helpless.

Cameron Brannagan added a second after the break to hand Alex Ingelthorpe's side their third win in five games but all the attention was on Morgan after his individual effort illuminated the Under-21 fixture.

Having made just one first-team appearance for Liverpool - as a 90<sup>th minute substitute in a Europa League play-off tie in August 2012 - and with two years remaining on his contract at the club Morgan is fighting for his future at Anfield.

The likes of Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom have forced their way in the Liverpool first-team last season but Morgan has plateaued, with the 19 year old failing to make an impact while on loan at Rotherham United in League Two last season.

However, the timing of the goal comes at a time where Brendan Rodgers' attacking options have been scrutinised despite Luis Suarez's imminent return from a 10-match ban.

Daniel Sturridge scored in the club's first four league games but in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton, without the England striker getting on the scoresheet, Liverpool appeared predictable and stagnant in the final third.

While Morgan's 5ft 10ins physique doesn't suggest he would hugely vary Liverpool's attack, should he be intrusted with a first-team role this season he would provide an extra option going forward.

Morgan scored his first goal for Liverpool during last summer's pre-season tour match against Toronto FC leading to former striker Robbie Fowler declaring the Merseyside-born forward as a top finisher.

"As a goalscorer I think he's fantastic. I was lucky enough to train with him at the academy last year when I was doing some coaching," Fowler said. "He is very left footed and his finishing is very good.

"He's a young lad, he's got a lot to learn about his play outside the box but that will come. As a finisher he is probably one of the best I've seen for a long, long time to be honest."

Rodgers made just one attacking addition in the summer in the form of Iago Aspas, while Fabio Borini - signed a year ago from Roma - was allowed to leave on loan to Sunderland.