Sammy after 20

[Greenman]

Sam sets sights on 20-goal haul

DAVID HARDIE
IN DUBLIN


SAM MORROW spent last season living in the shadow of Derek Riordan and Garry O'Connor as the Easter Road strikeforce terrorised opposition defences with 42 goals between them.

But today the Northern Ireland striker is ready to make a bid for stardom in his own right, adamant he can emulate the feats of his team-mates by claiming 20 goals of his own in the coming season.

It may seem a tall order for the former Ipswich Town reserve, but Morrow insists the Hibs fans have yet to see the best of him after his first season in Edinburgh was wrecked by a string of injuries.

And, to underline his point, Morrow stepped from the bench to score twice as Hibs fought back from being 3-0 down at half-time in the opening match of their tour of Ireland to snatch a draw against eircom League leaders Cork City before going down in a penalty shoot-out.

He said: "I feel I am the fittest I have been in two years. I put in a lot of hard work over the summer to get myself this fit. I felt I had to do a bit extra because I didn't play as much as others last season and hopefully I'll get my 'dibs' in for the start of this one.

"Last season was frustrating for me. I never got the chance to show what I can do, you only saw glimpses.

"I played the first three games, was then out for ten weeks or so and it took me a further month to get my fitness back. At the turn of the year I started a few games, got two or three goals but then pulled my hamstring.

"When you are in and out of the team as I was it is hard to get back to full fitness, there's nothing like games to get you fit. But now hopefully all that is behind me and I can look forward to a good season."

Morrow recognises that Riordan's 23 goals and O'Connor's 19 mean they will probably start the coming season as boss Tony Mowbray's first-choice strikeforce once again.

However, as prolific as they were last season, he believes his team-mates will have to prove themselves once more.

He said: "All credit to the pair of them, they had a fantastic season and scored a lot of goals - but wouldn't it be nice if all three of us could score 20 each?

"Hopefully I can put pressure on them. Competition is what drives the team.

"The manager has said, if you are doing well, you will be in his plans. It's all about performances and he will pick the best team he feels can do the job against any team on a Saturday.

Derek and Garry were fantastic last season but, there is no point scoring 20, 30 or 40 goals then only hitting five the next season. They have to do it all over again.

"I have always had confidence in my own ability. I've scored at every level for my country. Last season was troublesome for me through injury but I am looking forward to putting that behind me and showing the Hibs fans what I am capable of."

Hibs are, of course, willing to listen to offers for Riordan who has rejected the offer of a new deal but, while his departure would undoubtedly strengthen Morrow's case for a starting place, he insisted he'd love to see the free-scoring striker stay.

He said: "Derek is a great friend and he's been a fantastic player for Hibs over the last couple of seasons. I would love him to stay but it doesn't matter who is in front of you for a place in the team you are going to have to push a good player out.

"I would hope he decides to stay because he is an invaluable player for the team and, in any case, I think we could accommodate three strikers in the side."

Morrow admitted expectation levels have soared with the success Mowbray's players enjoyed last season, stunning everyone by taking third place in the SPL table and with it a spot in the UEFA Cup.

Such success, however, only makes Hibs a target for other clubs, a fact Morrow and his team-mates are well aware of.

He said: "We made everyone sit up and take notice. We surprised a lot of people and we will know we will have it tough next season.

"But the next season is always harder than the last one. We are aware of that and are working hard. We want to be just as successful next season - and hopefully win a cup."

While success with Hibs is the main goal, Morrow admitted he and countryman Dean Shiels are hoping to catch the eye of Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez.

As Sanchez, pictured below, revealed to the Evening News a number of weeks ago, he is well aware of the pair's exploits, admitting that if they can reproduce top form in the coming campaign then he'll be forced to come to Edinburgh to see them in the flesh rather than rely on the weekly reports he currently receives.

Morrow said: "Dean and I have played at every level from Under-14s up to Under-21s together and it goes without saying we'd love to make the step up to become full internationalists.

"I think every player would give his right arm to play for his country, it is every player's dream and we are no different. Having been given our chance to play first-team football at Easter Road it would be great if we could do so as Hibs players.

"We know Lawrie has watched us in a number of Under-20 and Under-21 games for Northern Ireland and to be a complete player you have to play at the highest level and that is to play full internationals for your country.

"However, that is entirely up to Lawrie. It's when he feels the time is right and we have to be ready to take it if it comes."

[Smurf]

Originally Posted by Greenman

Sam sets sights on 20-goal haul

DAVID HARDIE
IN DUBLIN


SAM MORROW spent last season living in the shadow of Derek Riordan and Garry O'Connor as the Easter Road strikeforce terrorised opposition defences with 42 goals between them.

But today the Northern Ireland striker is ready to make a bid for stardom in his own right, adamant he can emulate the feats of his team-mates by claiming 20 goals of his own in the coming season.

It may seem a tall order for the former Ipswich Town reserve, but Morrow insists the Hibs fans have yet to see the best of him after his first season in Edinburgh was wrecked by a string of injuries.

And, to underline his point, Morrow stepped from the bench to score twice as Hibs fought back from being 3-0 down at half-time in the opening match of their tour of Ireland to snatch a draw against eircom League leaders Cork City before going down in a penalty shoot-out.

He said: "I feel I am the fittest I have been in two years. I put in a lot of hard work over the summer to get myself this fit. I felt I had to do a bit extra because I didn't play as much as others last season and hopefully I'll get my 'dibs' in for the start of this one.

"Last season was frustrating for me. I never got the chance to show what I can do, you only saw glimpses.

"I played the first three games, was then out for ten weeks or so and it took me a further month to get my fitness back. At the turn of the year I started a few games, got two or three goals but then pulled my hamstring.

"When you are in and out of the team as I was it is hard to get back to full fitness, there's nothing like games to get you fit. But now hopefully all that is behind me and I can look forward to a good season."

Morrow recognises that Riordan's 23 goals and O'Connor's 19 mean they will probably start the coming season as boss Tony Mowbray's first-choice strikeforce once again.

However, as prolific as they were last season, he believes his team-mates will have to prove themselves once more.

He said: "All credit to the pair of them, they had a fantastic season and scored a lot of goals - but wouldn't it be nice if all three of us could score 20 each?

"Hopefully I can put pressure on them. Competition is what drives the team.

"The manager has said, if you are doing well, you will be in his plans. It's all about performances and he will pick the best team he feels can do the job against any team on a Saturday.

Derek and Garry were fantastic last season but, there is no point scoring 20, 30 or 40 goals then only hitting five the next season. They have to do it all over again.

"I have always had confidence in my own ability. I've scored at every level for my country. Last season was troublesome for me through injury but I am looking forward to putting that behind me and showing the Hibs fans what I am capable of."

Hibs are, of course, willing to listen to offers for Riordan who has rejected the offer of a new deal but, while his departure would undoubtedly strengthen Morrow's case for a starting place, he insisted he'd love to see the free-scoring striker stay.

He said: "Derek is a great friend and he's been a fantastic player for Hibs over the last couple of seasons. I would love him to stay but it doesn't matter who is in front of you for a place in the team you are going to have to push a good player out.

"I would hope he decides to stay because he is an invaluable player for the team and, in any case, I think we could accommodate three strikers in the side."

Morrow admitted expectation levels have soared with the success Mowbray's players enjoyed last season, stunning everyone by taking third place in the SPL table and with it a spot in the UEFA Cup.

Such success, however, only makes Hibs a target for other clubs, a fact Morrow and his team-mates are well aware of.

He said: "We made everyone sit up and take notice. We surprised a lot of people and we will know we will have it tough next season.

"But the next season is always harder than the last one. We are aware of that and are working hard. We want to be just as successful next season - and hopefully win a cup."

While success with Hibs is the main goal, Morrow admitted he and countryman Dean Shiels are hoping to catch the eye of Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez.

As Sanchez, pictured below, revealed to the Evening News a number of weeks ago, he is well aware of the pair's exploits, admitting that if they can reproduce top form in the coming campaign then he'll be forced to come to Edinburgh to see them in the flesh rather than rely on the weekly reports he currently receives.

Morrow said: "Dean and I have played at every level from Under-14s up to Under-21s together and it goes without saying we'd love to make the step up to become full internationalists.

"I think every player would give his right arm to play for his country, it is every player's dream and we are no different. Having been given our chance to play first-team football at Easter Road it would be great if we could do so as Hibs players.

"We know Lawrie has watched us in a number of Under-20 and Under-21 games for Northern Ireland and to be a complete player you have to play at the highest level and that is to play full internationals for your country.

"However, that is entirely up to Lawrie. It's when he feels the time is right and we have to be ready to take it if it comes."

Sam got a wee bit stick from certain quarters last season but with a good pre season behind him the critics may well find their criticism rammed doon their mouths!!

[JamieHibby]

Originally Posted by kennym2

Sam got a wee bit stick from certain quarters last season but with a good pre season behind him the critics may well find their criticism rammed doon their mouths!!

Lets hope so
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I think he is a good player and given the chance will prove it
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[ct01]

Originally Posted by kennym2

Sam got a wee bit stick from certain quarters last season but with a good pre season behind him the critics may well find their criticism rammed doon their mouths!!

Indeed. The boy doesn't lack confidence in his own ability and sadly for him last year any chance he did get when riordan or oconnor was out injured ended in him picking up an injury. Even when fully fit he found it very hard to break the 40 odd goal partnership. I have seen enough off him in limited appearances last season to suggest he is going to be a star this season if given the chance.
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