Liverpool's Kieran Morrison stakes claim with assist in Northern Ireland win
October 3, 2026 14:50
Kieran Morrison marked his first international start by setting up Isaac Price in Northern Ireland's 3-0 Nations League victory over Ukraine in Trnava, Slovakia. The 19-year-old Liverpool winger, on loan at Sheffield Wednesday this season, played in an inside‑forward role off the right and supplied the cross for Price's header, the forward's 11th international goal.
Morrison was one of three changes made by manager Michael O'Neill for the game and had been an unused substitute in Northern Ireland's first two Group B2 matches. After the win he told BBC Sport NI: "I've been biding my time after the first two games. I was training well, working hard and I'm glad he [O'Neill] trusts me enough to give me the start. I think I did well enough." He also described his instinct to take on defenders before delivering the cross that led to the goal.
WHY IT MATTERS
Morrison's performance introduced a crossing threat that the squad's set-up had not previously shown in recent games, and his display has put him in contention for a starting role in the next match. The Liverpool academy product represented England at underage level but qualifies for Northern Ireland through his Newry‑born mother and made two senior Liverpool appearances last season.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Northern Ireland return to Windsor Park on Monday night to face Georgia. Morrison said he hopes to keep his place for that game — or, if not selected, to come on and make an impact.