Lewis Morgan is hoping to make his mark at Celtic this year after spending what could turn out to a be career-saving loan spell at Sunderland in the second half of last season. Scotland international Morgan signed for the Bhoys from St Mirren in January 2018 on a four-and-a-half-year contract before immediately being loaned back to his former employers for the remainder of that campaign.

The winger officially started his Celtic career that summer but after 13 unconvincing matches in the 2018/19 season he was farmed out to League One outfit Sunderland on loan in January. During his time at the Stadium of Light, the 22-year-old featured in 22 matches in all competitions and helped the Blacks Cats reach the play-off final, where they lost to Charlton.

There were doubts surrounding the Scot’s future at Parkhead but new manager Neil Lennon is a firm admirer of the winger and is looking to give him a chance to impress in the senior ranks. When asked at a press conference about whether he would eye another loan move this season, Morgan shrugged it off by claiming he only had eyes for the first team.

Speaking via Celtic TV, he said: “Yeah I felt good last year. Obviously, things didn’t go the way I wanted them to (at Celtic) and I understood I needed to go away and get games. I’ve done that. “Now I’m really looking forward to this season and hopefully I can be a bigger part of things. Everyone’s aim is to play a part at this club. It’s massive and I want to play my part.

“The manager has given me the chance in the first couple of games and hopefully I can keep repaying the faith for him.” Celtic are 1.33 favourites to defend their league title this season and they kick off at home to St Johnstone on August 3.