Shayden Morris keen to ‘keep impressing’ after ‘tough’ first season at Aberdeen

Shayden Morris says the faith of manager Barry Robson and the coaching staff has given him the confidence to finally make his mark with Aberdeen.

The 21-year-old joined the Dons from Fleetwood 12 months ago but Sunday’s visit of Celtic marked his first start at Pittodrie.

The wide player has started both of Aberdeen’s games this season and gave Celtic plenty of problems from a wing-back role, in the first half especially, before the champions won 3-1.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s Viaplay Cup second-round clash at Stirling, Morris said: “When you join a new club you want to come in and get the ball rolling by playing straight away but sometimes it is not that easy.

“You are desperate to hit the ground running so you can show the fans, your team-mates and the manager what you can do.

“Last season was tough for me as I wasn’t able to get into a rhythm because of injuries. I was out for about four months. But all I am thinking about now is having a good season.

“Pre-season was massive for me. I knew that I need to come back and hit the ground running.

“So I took a week off, but as soon as I got back I was back in the gym. I did a lot of work so I could come back in the best shape I possibly could.

“Once you get into a rhythm playing games then you get that confidence to be able to do what you want. I just want to keep playing and keep impressing and show what I can do.

“Confidence is big. Having that belief and backing from Barry, the coaching staff and the players is big but I have also had a good pre-season.

“When I was in London during the off-season, all I was thinking about was coming back and being in the best shape possible.

“The manager has told me that he knows what I can do. Peter (Leven) and Steve (Agnew) also know what I can do and that has given me some confidence to just go and express myself every time I get the ball.

“They don’t care if I lose it or make mistakes, so it just gives me massive confidence.

“Having that backing from the players and the coaches helps me to know I can do my thing in an attacking sense.”

The Dons should have Jonny Hayes available after the Irishman missed Sunday’s game against his former club.

New signing James McGarry is undergoing a mini pre-season, while centre-backs Rhys Williams and Angus MacDonald are back training but not ready to feature at Forthbank.