Liverpool youngster Tyler Morton has shut down suggestions he could be jealous of Stefan Bajcetic as he eyes a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
A product of Liverpool’s Academy, Morton made nine senior appearances for the Reds last season after being handed his debut as a substitute in a Carabao Cup tie at Norwich City in September 2021.
However, he moved to Ewood Park for the duration of the current campaign last summer and has so far made 40 appearances for Blackburn, featuring in all but two of the club’s Championship fixtures.
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But while the youngster has been away, Bajcetic has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Anfield. The 18-year-old has not looked back since coming off the bench to score in a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day - just his second Premier League appearance this season.
By the end of January he had become a regular figure in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI, but his season is now over after he picked up a 'stress response around the adductor' injury.
But when asked if he had a feeling of envy watching his team-mate’s rise, Morton, speaking to The Times, revealed it was the opposite and he couldn’t be more delighted for Bajcetic, who he considers a mate.
He said: “I do get asked that question but I am my own player. Stefan is a top quality footballer and a really nice guy. I was absolutely buzzing for him watching him play.
“Stefan is my mate, team-mate, competition, all in one. I am not a thinker like: 'Oh, it could have been me.' I am thinking what I can change now to help me.”
Blackburn set up a quarter-final showdown with Sheffield United on Sunday after they beat Premier League side Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power Stadium. Midfield reinforcements are set to be on the agenda for Liverpool during the summer transfer window.
Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount and Matheus Nunes are just some of the names that have been linked with the Reds. But when asked what the future holds for him, Morton revealed his focus is just on his side’s upcoming games, with the chance of promotion to the Premier League a real possibility.
“I have too many games to think about what is happening in the summer,” he said. “I am a Liverpool fan. The way I play is a Liverpool style — hopefully you can see that in my game.
“But we have a massive ending to the season here. I want Blackburn to get promotion and I want Blackburn to win the FA Cup final. Step by step, I’ll see where it takes me.”
A victory for Rovers on Sunday will see them head to the new Wembley Stadium for the first time in the club's history. Around 6,000 Blackburn fans are set to make the trip to Bramall Lane.
“I’ve seen we’ve sold out the away end and we’re all really looking forward to it,” Morton said when asked about the game.
“We want to do it for the fans and we’ll take any win for them. The fans will be so excited for the game and I know just how passionate our supporters are when it comes to Blackburn Rovers.
“Everything we do is for them and I hope we can get the win for them and take them to Wembley. It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere, it’s going to be bouncing because the fans know we’re close to something special.”
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