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Lewis Morgan has revealed that he turned down offers to play in the English Championship to be reunited with former manager Jack Ross.
The on-loan winger made his debut for Sunderland in the weekend win over Wimbledon and made a favourable impression on the Stadium of Light faithful.
That victory ended a run of three consecutive draws that had frustrated Sunderland’s promotion hopes but after the weekend’s results they are only three points behind second-placed Barnsley with two games in hand on them.
Morgan was expected to start the match on the bench but ended up being called into the starting XI.
And the former Celtic youngster has since revealed he jumped at the chance to join the League One side, snubbing interest from clubs from the division above in the process.
“As soon as the chance came up to come here my mind was made up,” he said, as quoted by The Chronicle.
“I’m working with a coaching staff I’ve got massive respect for, a massive club, it’s something I’m excited about. I never thought about it in terms of the league I’m coming to. It was about the club – great facilities, massive club, that would interest everyone.
“I think it’s well documented that there was interest from the Championship down here and the Premiership up north, but it’s a massive club with great people. I’m very happy to be part of it. It’s an exciting time for the club, challenging at the top end of the table. I’m here to help us push up the table.”
Speaking about being reunited with his old St Mirren boss he added: “Jack and his staff improve every player. The training sessions are great and they give you that licence to express yourself in the final third. As an attacking player that’s what you want.
“Aiden [McGeady] and I are both very direct, we like to take our man on. Hopefully we can both dovetail and keep building on that performance on Saturday.”
On Saturday, Sunderland travel to face relegation threatened Oxford United, before hosting Blackpool in midweek, as they continue their quest to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.