Bryn Morris sets fairytale target after emerging from Portsmouth injury hell

The midfielder put 14 months of woe behind him with a surprise return to the starting XI in last night’s 1-1 play-off draw with Oxford United.

Morris delivered a sound display in the middle of the park, with skipper Tom Naylor dropping to the bench in a shock call from Kenny Jackett.

It’s been a horrific time for the 24-year-old as medical experts have struggled to get to the button of an abdomen issue.

But those problems now look to be behind Morris at last and he’s looking to book a visit to Wembley and a shot at reaching the Championship at the Kassam Stadium on Monday.

Morris: ‘I’m made up to be back.

‘Injuries are injuries. It’s what comes with footie.

‘Some people are unfortunate and get long injuries - and that’s what’s happened with me. It is what it is.

‘I’ve worked really hard to get back, I’m just pleased to be playing and I’m looking forward to Monday now.

‘It’s what you’ve got to be when you’re injured - professional. I think it’s part of being a professional footballer.

‘Hopefully I can reap the rewards of my work now by helping us to a win on Monday.’

Morris acknowledged how football’s suspension in March amid the Covid-19 pandemic worked out in his favour, as it allowed him to return at the same level of fitness as his team-mates when training resumed last month.

He added: ‘I was training three weeks before the lockdown. I’ve learnt a lot about my body within that time. It’s probably helped me in my hindsight.

‘Everyone has needed to keep their fitness levels up, but maybe the lads who were playing before lockdown have lost that match fitness and game sharpness.

‘So we’ve all come back on on an even level of fitness and I’m naturally fit anyway, so I knew it would maybe benefit me with the work I put in.

‘I’ve got to maintain things now and live right and recover. As long as I’m playing I’ll be happy.’