Hammers boss believes young midfielder can enjoy breakthrough year.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes 2013/14 could be a breakthrough season for exciting youngster Ravel Morrison, according to Sky Sports.
The 20-year-old midfielder was rated as one of the most exciting young players to emerge from Manchester United’s academy a few years ago, but a string of disciplinary problems saw him moved on by the club.
Morrison has found himself in trouble with the FA in the past, and even the police, but Allardyce believes he is a changed man this year after some promising displays for the team in pre-season.
The former England Under-18 international spent last season on loan to Championship side Birmingham City, but Hammers boss Allardyce has hinted that this could be the year he makes an impact in the Premier League.
“He does seem to have matured,” the former Bolton manager explained. “He’s obviously taken a good look at himself and decided that, if he is going to make it as a professional footballer, he needed to be more disciplined in his day-to-day life.
“His contribution in pre-season has been exciting for us. His big challenge will be when he gets his chance to play in the first team at competitive level.
“When the whistle goes on Saturday, it is 100mph from the start. He will have to learn to cope with that but he is really promising and hopefully we look forward to him continuing to develop into a player who will play a part in the first team.”
After a good season of finishing 10th last year, West Ham will be hoping to continue their progress in the top flight, and have made some astute signings in Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing.