Morrissey takes step back to go forward

Liverpool or Blackburn Rovers? That was the dilemma facing current Cork City midfielder Gearóid ‘Chops’ Morrissey back in 2008.

One might be forgiven for thinking that the 16-year-old was merely attempting to decide, if admittedly at a late age, between which cross-channel club to follow. But no, there was more, much more, at stake.

Morrissey, a talented Ringmahon Rangers schoolboy, had been attracting scouts from Britain eager for his signature. Blackburn and Liverpool were Premier League clubs that liked what they saw, and offered Morrissey a place in their academies. Apparently 90% of players from these academies fail to obtain a professional contract.