Sheffield Wednesday backed to be 'all over' permanent move for 'lively' Liverpool man | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit has given his verdict on whether his club should sign Kieran Morrison permanently.

The summer transfer window may be in the rearview mirror, but Sheffield Wednesday will certainly be looking ahead as they aim to build on a positive start to the season.

Wednesday underwent a seismic overhaul following their relegation to League One, but it was a necessary and positive one, as the club relished the opportunity to reset and rebuild under the ownership of David Storch.

As well as completing some big permanent signings, the Owls also acquired a cohort of exciting young prospects on loan, including Kieran Morrison, Harry Gray and Jaden Heskey.

Indeed, Morrison has enjoyed an encouraging start to life at Hillsborough since completing his season-long loan from Liverpool, but what are the South Yorkshire club's chances of landing him on a permanent basis?

Sheffield Wednesday told to pursue Kieran Morrison deal

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Morrison started life at Hillsborough on Henrik Pedersen's bench, but it did not take the right-winger long to secure a starting berth in the Dane's side.

The teenager already has two assists in six appearances, with his pace, directness and set-piece ability causing full-backs all sorts of problems in the third tier.

When asked if he would be open to his club exploring a permanent deal for the North Irishman if Liverpool were open to it, FLW's Sheffield Wednesday fan pundit Patrick McKenna was in no doubt what the Owls should do.

"Kieran Morrison has made a promising start," said Patrick. "He offers that bit of pace and something different."

"At times this season, especially at home, our play has become a bit static. There's not enough movement, and we're not really direct enough, so he has given us that option, and he's got the confidence of youth.

"If Liverpool were to let him go permanently, we should definitely be all over it. He's going to be a real talent, but I do think if they released him permanently, he would go to a higher level than us, unfortunately.

"But he has certainly been lively for us this season. He's made a positive impact, and you'd want him to stay at the club as long as possible."

Analysing Morrison's start to life at Hillsborough

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Given the influx of attacking options at Pedersen's disposal this campaign, it was always going to be a challenge for the young loanees to stake their claims for a starting spot.

However, Morrison has been one of the standout loan additions at Hillsborough, and there has been plenty of evidence to suggest he will be a key player for the rest of the season.

Naturally a right-winger, the Northern Ireland international has been deployed out wide or in a central role to accommodate the attacking talent around him.

It is clear why the 19-year-old has been a threatening option from the bench, with his instinct to run at players and create opportunities offering Wednesday another dimension late in games.

However, his two assists have both come from corners, suggesting that it may be more worthwhile for Pedersen to play him from the off, so his side can be more dangerous from set pieces.

As well as ranking in the top 10 per cent of League One right-wingers for shots on target per 90 minutes, Morrison has also put in his defensive work with 4.92 recoveries, according to FotMob.

What are Wednesday's chances of signing Morrison?

It goes without saying that signing one of Liverpool's upcoming talents would likely prove difficult, but there are a few factors that could help them secure Morrison permanently.

Firstly, if the Owls can achieve promotion to the Championship, then that would give them a much more realistic chance of landing the North Irishman, who will likely be seeking first-team opportunities away from Anfield.

Then there is the abundance of talent on Andoni Iraola's wings, with Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, Víctor Muñoz and Rio Ngumoha among the Spaniard's options, highlighting Morrison's difficult task.