Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin believes Aberdeen should extend the contract of Scottish Cup final hero Shayden Morris.

Winger Morris was named Aberdeen’s player of the year and was instrumental in the club’s Scottish Cup victory at Hampden.

Celtic custodian Kasper Schmeichel deflected the 23-year-old’s cross into his own net, making the final score 1-1. The Dons won the trophy for the first time since 1990, defeating the opposition 4-3 on penalties.

Morris’ contract expires next summer, and he has stated that he would be willing to sign an extension at Pittodrie.

Winger Morris ‘frightens’ defenders

Former Everton player Nevin, now a commentator, claims Morris “frightens” defenders and believes a new contract should be granted if the finances allow.

Morris scored five goals and contributed 13 assists last season.

Nevin, 61, said: “Morris is a player who adds something and scares defences, so a new contract would be beneficial to Aberdeen.” “However, as previous Motherwell chief executive, I’ve been in the situation of having to decide whether we can sign a decent player to a new contract.

“Aberdeen may be looking to spend money on others, so for a new arrangement, the calculations must be correct. “But Morris has shown he can do a job for the team and was player of the year.” Morris joined from Fleetwood Town in the summer of 2022 on a four-year contract.

However, the winger struggled to make an impression in his first two seasons at Pittodrie due to injury issues.

Breakthrough season for winger

Morris suffered a hamstring strain in his inaugural season, forcing him to miss four months.

Morris was out for three months with a hamstring injury that necessitated surgery during the 2023-24 season, adding to his disappointment.

Morris had another blow when then-interim manager Neil Warnock removed him after 30 minutes of a 3-0 loss to Motherwell in February 2024.

Warnock moved Morris to right wing-back.

Aberdeen would draw 3-3, but Morris would not play again that season, either for Warnock or his successor, Peter Leven. When Thelin arrived at Pittodrie as new manager last summer, he offered the winger a chance to restart his Aberdeen career, which Morris accepted.

In October, he scored the winning goal in Aberdeen’s 2-1 victory over Rangers at Pittodrie, extending the club’s unbeaten record. Morris also scored a fantastic solo goal in a 1-0 victory over Ross County at Dingwall in April, coming from the Dons half. Morris broke into the top 100 for attacking assists in world football at the end of last season.

In the Scottish Cup final, the winger’s low cross was deflected into the goal, ensuring his position in Aberdeen history. Nevin said: “Morris is unbelievably direct when he wants to be and moves at a nice tempo.” He understands and uses his absolute strengths. Morris is the type of player that can overwhelm opposing defences.

” You are left wondering, ‘Wait a minute, what happened there?’ “It’s pretty impressive when he turns the afterburners on.” During the summer transfer window, Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin strengthened his offensive options on the flanks by signing right-sided winger Nicolas Milanovic.

The 23-year-old was just voted A-League player of the year and gained his first call-up to the Australian national team. Aberdeen beat out a number of European clubs to sign Milanovic on a three-year contract.

The Dons have the option to prolong it by another year.

Nevin appreciates Morris‘ enormous contribution for Aberdeen last season. However, he maintains that defenders can become accustomed to wingers, thus Morris will need to continue improve his game in the upcoming season and beyond.

Nevin stated, “Morris stunned opponents last season with his directness and speed. “However, as a winger, defenders will get used to you, and it is a matter of determining your strengths.” “So a winger’s game must constantly evolve.

“Defendants know you have that directness and pace, so they’ll hang back a little. “Or they’ll double-up on you.

“So as time goes by you have to think of something else.”

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