Cal up to Buckie
Friday, 1st Sep 2017International break means Callum is on the bus to Buckie
Given the manager`s promises to ring the changes in his line up at Buckie on Saturday, Callum Morris could be one of those relegated to the bench but on this international weekend it could have been very different for the 27 year old Par.
Exactly a year ago while an Aberdeen player, Morris was called up for the first time to the Northern Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifying games against the Czech Republic and Germany. He was an unused sub in the goalless draw against the Czechs and again in the 2-0 defeat to Germany. Had he still been involved, this time around he could have been jetting into Rimini instead of bussing it to Buckie.
Callum maintained that while it would have been nice to be with Northern Ireland in San Marino`s Olimpico di Serravalle, his focus has to be totally on Dunfermline:-
"Performances are the only way to be part of that set up. It is nice to be involved but you have to merit it. If you look at the players who are in there I am probably not quite there. It is up to me to change that and I can only do that by putting in performances here. That can only benefit everyone - myself and the club. That is what I will be looking to do.
"It is nice to know that you are still thought of in that kind of circle and it is definitely something to aim for."
Callum was born a Geordie but has Irish ancestry through both his parents, his mother`s family originating from Waterford and his father`s from Belfast. He initially chose to represent the Republic of Ireland, and played for both their Under 19 and Under 21 teams before deciding to switch his allegiance to Northern Ireland.
The Irn Bru Cup second round draw means that the Pars next match is against Highland League opponents. Callum stressed that they have to keep a professional attitude and maintain their consistency.
"We are looking forward to it. The boys who were up there last season know what it is all about. When you go to these non league teams they have a point to prove, they all want to take a scalp and like us be looking to get through to the next round.
"You have to do your job, win the battle first and hopefully then the football will come out and we will win the game. A lot of lads are hoping for a run out and they deserve a chance because they have been brilliant in training every day.
"Some will get a rest that they probably don`t want because of the way things are going. They want to keep playing but there will not be many times this season that people get a weekend just to rest their legs. I`m sure the manager will utilise that."
Whoever plays it is expected that everyone will continue digging in at both ends, Callum added:-
"It is great that the lads in front are playing free flowing football. They are scoring almost at will now, it is great and we have consistency at the back now. It was good to keep a clean sheet last Saturday after conceding a few goals that we were disappointed with. That is probably just nit picking.
"Consistency over the season is going to be key. We had to get a good start and we have done that. If we can keep it going, things are looking good."
Dumbarton has been a banana skin for others in the Championship last Saturday and Callum felt that it was great to get four goals without reply.
"To find out after the game that we were top of the league and we will be there for at least two weeks. We have to work at staying there, we are happy at the minute."
Callum was appointed club captain at the start of the season and given the start the skipper termed his steer "smooth sailing" so far.
"Everything has gone to plan, It has been great for me and it is not just me. All the senior pros - Higgs, Joe, everyone digs in. Everyone is pulling in the same direction which makes everything easier but we can`t get carried away. It`s a good start and that is all it is. You don`t win leagues in the first three or four games. You win leagues being consistent."
Last season a bad start cost Dunfermline a play off place and since starting back in training the emphasis has been on starting well.
"If you get the points on the board early doors we can build on that with good performances."
As far as his own game, Callum feels that he still has more to give. For all that the team is winning he is still critical of his own performances.
"I don`t think I have walked off the pitch being happy with myself yet. I think there is more to come. I think there is still a gear or two left to get to the level that I should be playing at. Hopefully that will come."
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