Aberdeen winger Shayden Morris was warned about the physicality of Scottish football – by former Dons captain Scott Brown.
However, the 20-year-old is up for the fight and confident he is tough enough to thrive in the Premiership.
Morris signed on at Pittodrie this summer for a six-figure fee from Fleetwood Town.
Ex-Aberdeen skipper Brown, who left Pittodrie in March this year, is the manager of the English League One club.
Brown told Morris moving to Pittodrie was the right move to get to the “next level”.
But he also put the winger on red alert about the physicality of the Premiership.
After two Dons appearances, Morris insists he can more than handle the heat.
He said: “I spoke with Scott Brown a lot and we liked working together.
“Scott didn’t hold me back and thought Aberdeen was the right choice to make, even though it was difficult to part ways.
“He told me that I would do well in this league, show what I can do and get to the next level.
“However, Scott did also say it’s not an easy league to come to.
“He said it’s a tough league and the physicality needs to be there.
“Scott told me that it’s not easy and you have to make sure you are ready for it.
“I do feel like I’m strong enough to compete.
“I feel like I’m also fast enough and have the mental side as well to battle.
“So I don’t feel like I need much work – apart from maybe settling in a bit more, and getting used to living in Scotland.”
Aberdeen offer a platform to shine
Morris joined Aberdeen on a four-year contract until summer 2026.
Last season, he scored two goals in 30 appearances for Fleetwood Town.
The right-sided winger has impressed in the last two games when coming off the bench.
Aberdeen gaffer Jim Goodwin recently voiced fears Morris is so fast defenders may resort to fouling the winger in a bid to stop his runs.
When Aberdeen made their interest clear in Morris during the summer transfer window, the winger sought advice.
He turned to his then-gaffer Brown, who gave Aberdeen a glowing report.
Former Aberdeen defender Mikey Devlin, who was training with Fleetwood, also spoke highly of the Reds.
He said: “I spoke a lot to Scott before I made the move.
“I also talked with Mikey Devlin, who was here as well, about it.
“They both told me that the platform is definitely here at Aberdeen to show my ability.
“They said Aberdeen are a club that aims high.”
Adapting to the cold Granite City
Winger Morris was the 10th summer signing of Goodwin’s extensive summer rebuild which now stands at 11 players.
He came through the ranks of Fleetwood’s youth academy and earned his first professional contract in July 2020.
When transferring to a new club, adapting to life on the pitch is only one of the factors.
A player also has to adapt to living in a new city, often away from friends and family.
London born and raised, Morris insists he is embracing life in the Granite City.
He said: “I felt in myself that this was the right move for me.
“When things are meant to be elsewhere it’s obviously right.
“London is city life really, but I do like getting away and being in quiet spaces.
“I heard it’s really cold in Aberdeen, but at first it was quite hot.
“I’ve had a little taste of the cold in the last week or so though.
“But I know it’s going to get a lot worse.
“I don’t feel like I get homesick up here, it’s not something where I want to go back home.
“You miss the family, but it’s not been a massive adaptation to live here in Scotland.
“You come here to play football.”
Building friendships at Pittodrie
Morris was immediately made welcome on arriving at Pittodrie and quickly forged a friendship with Vincent Besuijen and Jayden Richardson.
Now the next step is to find a house.
He said: “I was made to feel welcome from the first day.
“I’ve been with Vinnie and Jayden quite a lot.
“I’m looking to get an apartment where they are staying.
“They have helped me settle in – a lot of players have helped me settle in.
“I will be looking to get an apartment really soon not far from them.”
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