Jimmy-Jay Morgan: Lukaku and how West Brom ensured they became his next home
New Albion frontman ‘JJ’ Morgan already has Baggies supporters excited by his potential ahead of new Championship season.
Hot-shot Jimmy-Jay Morgan admits it was easy to choose Albion due to the club’s determination and plan for him in James Morrison’s side.
Morgan checked in from Chelsea in a £1.2million move in June and has hit the ground running in blue and white stripes, impressing coaches in training and hitting four goals in three friendlies so far.
The 20-year-old - for whom former Baggies loan hero Romelu Lukaku was a childhood “idol” - looks set to play a big part for Morrison this term.
Morgan was taken by Albion’s appetite to get the deal done swiftly and their vision for him at the top end of the pitch.
“Albion were always in the Premier League when I was watching football growing up,” Morgan told the Express & Star.
“Lukaku was my idol growing up and I had the privilege of working with him at Chelsea.
“I've always kept an eye on Albion. As soon as the interest came in, the club made it really strong and got it done really quick. So I knew that they really wanted me.
“That was the most important thing for me, coming somewhere where they’ve obviously got a plan in place and the club really want me. It was easy.”
Morgan and Aune Heggebo have led the line together in friendlies so far. Fellow new recruit Barney Stewart has played a role from the bench.
Poole-born Morgan can continue catching the eye at his former club Peterborough, where he scored 14 goals on loan last season, when Albion visit on Saturday.
“We've done quite a bit of finishing after training, so it's nice to see it come out in games,” Morgan added.
“I think it's one of the main parts of my game. I didn't score many goals like that (top corner strike against Bromley) last year, more one-touch finishes, so it's something I'm definitely trying to implement more this year.”
Morgan said of Morrison’s claim to keep him focused: “I think that I'm probably guilty of sometimes phasing in and out and maybe losing concentration at points.
“They've been on me, to be fair, since the first day I got here, with clips showing me times where I should be moving, or I could obviously open my body shape a little bit more and little details like that. It's been really good for me.”
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