Kieran Morrison marks first Northern Ireland start with assist against Ukraine

Kieran Morrison marked his first start for Northern Ireland by setting up Isaac Price in the team's 3-0 Nations League victory over Ukraine in Trnava, Slovakia. The 19-year-old Liverpool winger, who is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday this season, said he hoped his performance had justified manager Michael O'Neill's decision to select him, BBC Sport reported.

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Morrison was among three changes to the starting side and operated from the right in an inside-forward role. He had remained on the bench throughout Northern Ireland's opening two Group B2 matches, against Georgia and Hungary, which produced four points. The victory over Ukraine took the team to seven points from three games and put them top of the group.

His contribution to the second goal came with a cross that Price headed in for his 11th international goal. Speaking to BBC Sport NI's Gavin Andrews, Morrison said he had spent the opening matches waiting for an opportunity while working hard in training. He felt he had performed well after O'Neill gave him the chance to start.

Price praised the quality of Morrison's crossing and said the winger offered a different attacking option from those Northern Ireland had previously used. He also suggested the performance would complicate O'Neill's selection decisions. Price occupies one of the supporting roles behind the central striker in the manager's preferred formation, with Morrison seeking to establish himself in the other.

Morrison said the cross had not been his original plan when the move developed. He had initially considered trying stepovers, but chose to deliver the ball after it was laid back to him. His aim whenever he received possession, he explained, was to create something for the team rather than let the opportunity pass.

The winger represented England at youth level and qualifies for Northern Ireland through his mother, who was born in Newry. He made two senior appearances for Liverpool last season. Morrison has yet to play at Windsor Park and hopes to feature against Georgia there on Monday, whether from the start or as a substitute.