Tyler Morton is the latest Liverpool youngster to go down the well-trodden path from Anfield to Blackburn Rovers.
The young midfielder is highly-rated at his parent club but they believe a temporary stint away in the Championship will aid his career development. In doing so Morton, aged 19, follows in the footsteps of fellow Reds Harvey Elliott and Leighton Clarkson. And he admits he spoke to both prior to agreeing to join Jon Dahl Tommason's side on a season-long placement.
"I’m absolutely buzzing and I can’t wait to get going at such a historic club," Morton told Blackburn's in-house media. "It’s really exciting for me and it was a very easy decision for me to make. As soon as a club with this stature comes in for you it’s something that excites. I was desperate to get the move over the line.
"I’m very happy to be a Liverpool player but I need this experience to come and play for such a club like Rovers. It’s a massive thing for me to come here and I’m looking forward to showing the fans, the head coach and my new team-mates exactly what I’ve got.
“I’d love to get my career started and see where it takes me. Speaking to Harvey and Leighton, they gave a real positive impression about the club and they persuaded me a bit more to come here, not that I needed much persuading. I’ve heard nothing but positivity from them about the place. I want to follow in their footsteps, play games, get experience and look to kick on."
Despite both his colleagues having warm words to say about Blackburn, their experiences whilst on loan in Lancashire were varied to say the least.
Will Morton shine in the Championship? Let us know in the comments
Elliott dazzled in the 2020-21 campaign, with seven goals and 11 assists. That form saw him start in and around the Liverpool first team upon his return only for a cruel ankle injury to keep him sidelined for five months. He is now back fully recovered and once again in and around Jurgen Klopp's first team.
As for Clarkson, his move to Ewood Park last summer was a dream move for the youngster given he grew up supporting Rovers.
But he was unable to properly force his way into the side, and he made just seven appearances with only four of those starts with the side in good form and chasing promotion.
The loan was cut short in January but rather than feel aggrieved, Clarkson posted a classy farewell message saying: "When I first knew @rovers wanted to sign me on loan there was only one place I was going. Although it hasn’t gone to plan I would like to thank all the players, all the staff, and the fans for making me feel at home. I would love to wish the club all the best for the future and keep striving for promotion. Now time to get back to Liverpool and work harder than ever."
Morton could make his Blackburn debut in Saturday's trip to Swansea.
