October 1 2001

Clinton Morrison

Clinton Morrison has thanked his striking partner Dougie Freedman after the 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, in which both players scored twice.

Morrison said that Freedman inspired him to have the best spell of his career.

He said: "We are playing well together and since he has come into the side he has helped me.

"When we weren't scoring goals last season he came in and gave me advice. He told me to stay central and stop going wide because I would score more goals that way.

"That is what I have done and I am hitting the target on a regular basis. These are the best days I have had at the club.

"The lowest point was when we were in administration and we weren't sure if we were going to get paid every week. But Steve Bruce has come in and we all want to play for him."

Both Morrison and Freedman have been called up to repectively the Irish and the Scottish national side for World Cup qualifiers this weekend.

The Tooting-born striker is concerned though that the break could upset the side's rhythm. He said: "It could spoil our momentum, but we have to keep it going.

He added: "Dougie deserves his call-up. Out of all the Scotland strikers he's scored the most goals this season and good luck to him.

"I think he knew he would get there sooner or later. We had a friendly bet at the start of the season about who would score the most goals and he's a couple in front of me.

"But it's not a sprint, it's a marathon and come the end of the year I'll be back on top."