HAVING returned from a half-season loan to Sunderland during the last campaign, Lewis Morgan is delighted to be back and now wants to keep himself in Neil Lennon’s plans. A Man of the Match performance in the Hoops’ goalless friendly against Rennes is a good way of doing so, as was a lively second-half substitute display in Sarajevo on Tuesday.

Morgan hopes to be in contention for this Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League tie against FK Sarajevo at Paradise, but will continue training hard behind the scenes in any event.

“The game today was a tough run-out, they’re a good side, but it was good to be back here at Celtic Park,” said Morgan. “To come back and play in an arena like this was something I was itching to do and I’m glad to be here doing that.

“The manager has been clear in what he wants from me. He wants me to be direct, to get fans off their seats. The wingers have been doing great here in recent years, and there’s always competitions for places.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of pre-season and I enjoyed that out there today. I was delighted with the opportunity and hopefully I did enough with my performance today.”

Morgan explained that while going out on loan last season wasn’t something he’d necessarily planned for, he reckons he’s come back a better, more focused player. Since he left, Neil Lennon has, of course, taken over as permanent manager, which the 22-year-old considers a good thing for his development.

He added: “I view a new manager coming in as clean slate for me. Last season maybe didn’t go as well as I’d have wanted. It’s now up to me to make sure I’m putting in the performances. I went out on loan to Sunderland, worked hard and learned a lot. I think Celtic is getting a better player back. I want to continue improving and making my mark here.”

Lewis Morgan: I’m delighted to be back playing at Paradise