What made Jordan Morris sit up and take note in Swansea City's dressing room, Man City aims and why future is up in the air
Source: Wales Online
January signing Jordan Morris has spoken about his move to Swansea City, his talks with Steve Cooper and the FA Cup contest against Man City
Jordan Morris is hoping to get the chance to prove his worth in front of the TV cameras as Swansea City host Man City in the FA Cup this evening.
The January signing has made two appearances off the bench since joining the Swans on loan from Seattle Sounders last month.
And the 26-year-old has revealed he has watched the FA Cup from afar while plying his trade in MLS, adding that he is relishing the opportunity to come against Pep Guardiola's side.
"Really excited. One of my buddies from the national team plays there, Zack Steffen," he said.
"It's obviously a massive game so it'll be exciting to take part in it.
"It's an amazing competition. I've watched from afar for sure, so to take part in that game would be amazing.
"I think the group here, there is a belief within the team. Obviously we know they're a really good team but I think the team is flying right now and is excited for the challenge."
Morris impressed after being summoned from the bench in the latter stages of Swansea's 2-0 triumph over Championship leaders Norwich City last time out.
And the American admits he's been taken aback by the positive vibes within the dressing room at present.
"First and foremost, they've been so welcoming to me, it's made my transition really easy, which I really appreciate," he explained.
"On the field, some really good players. It's been exciting for me to be a part of it for this short time and I'm just excited to help in any way I can.
"The first thing I noticed when I came into this team was the mentality the group has, so coming into a game like this [Norwich], I think everyone understood how important it was. The guys performed really well."
Morris excelled during a trial with Werder Bremen in 2016 but turned down the chance to join the Bundesliga outfit on a permanent basis.
However, after learning his trade in MLS while also starring for the United States Men's National Team, the versatile attacker felt the time was right to take the plunge and try his luck in Europe.
"I just had this itch. I was enjoying myself in Seattle a lot and the team was doing well, and I feel like I was developing really well there, but I had this itch that I wanted to try something new," he added.
"There was some talk for the last few years, but I really felt this was the time to go, and I felt ready to make that jump.
"My wife is here with me, so that obviously helps. But I was excited and ready for a new adventure.
"I'm loving Swansea so far and the atmosphere and the group we have here is special."
Morris had numerous conversations with Steve Cooper prior to his switch to south Wales.
And after being impressed by the head coach's vision for the club as well as looking at Swansea's trajectory, Morris signed a short-term deal with the Swans - who have the option to make his contract permanent in the summer.
However, the forward admits his sole focus is on helping Swansea in the latter half of the 2020/21 campaign rather than looking ahead to next season.
"It's [future] a little bit up in the air right now," admitted Morris.
"I'm here for the short term now, and I'm going to try to contribute in any way that I can, but for the team it's a one-game-at-a-time mentality just to do whatever we can in each game and keep pushing forward.
"The manager called me, and that's one of the things that sold me on it.
"He showed a lot of interest and just told me about the group and it got me really excited about the opportunity."
