FOOTBALL: Morrow's debut ends in defeat

FORMER Coleraine striker Sammy Morrow tasted defeat in his opening game for his new club Tranmere Rovers.

Morrow made a half-hour appearance as a substitute in Rovers' Johnstones Paints Trophy exit to Accrington Stanley last Tuesday.

If Accrington goalkeeper Alex Cisak had not made a fine save late in the game, then Morrow would have been celebrating a winning goal on his debut instead of reflecting on a defeat after a penalty shootout.

"The keeper made a great save from me," Morrow said. "It would've been nice to have one of those situations where I scored on my debut. But the important thing is being here. I enjoyed the run out on Tuesday. I need match minutes under my belt to build up my fitness.

"I want to get fitter and sharper so I can be pushing for a starting place in the side. I want to show people there is a lot more to come from me."

It was Morrow's first taste of English football since he progressed through the youth ranks at Ipswich Town as a teenager.

Morrow left Ipswich after three years, having played just one game, to join Hibernian in Scotland. He made 30 SPL appearances for Hibs and played a further 19 games on loan with spells at Livingston and Partick Thistle.

He was lined up to make a move back to England with Queens Park Rangers in April 2006 when he suffered serious cruciate ligament damage.

But after four years in Northern Irelnad Morrow is determined to make the most of being back in full time football.

Morrow said: "There were a couple of clubs in Scotland is interested in me this summer but Tranmere was the only place I wanted to come. The gaffer showed he was keen on signing me I'm glad to be here. It's a good setup. I'm looking forward to getting my career started again in England.

"The injury is a few years behind me now and the knee is as strong as it can be. The rest of the lads have made it easy for me to feel settled."