West Ham boss has message for Morrison after 'handbags' with Man Utd star - London24

Ravel Morrison, England. Picture: Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport

Thursday, October 17, 2013

1:36 PM

Sam Allardyce feels Ravel Morrison has a chance of making England’s World Cup squad – but says the talented midfielder must get his head down and work hard for West Ham in the meantime.

The Hammers boss also labelled the midfielder’s on-pitch altercation with Manchester United’s Wilfried Zaha on England Under-21s duty as nothing more than “handbags”.

Former United youngster Morrison has been known more for his behaviour off the field in his formative professional years but has started to take on a starring role for West Ham in recent weeks, culminating in his first two appearances for the England Under-21 side.

The 20-year-old, who spent the majority of last season on loan at Birmingham after Allardyce signed him from United, struck two goals in the 5-0 win over Lithuania but was also seen arguing and raising a hand towards Zaha after a disagreement over who should take a late penalty.

Allardyce dismissed the coming together before suggesting a place in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad is not beyond reach for Morrison.

“It’s a little early to tell,” he said.

“But I think if he continues to be a regular player with our first team then I can’t see any reason why he wouldn’t get noticed and maybe be pushing that way.

“But, at the moment, he’s just started with the Under-21s and, of course, he’s played well in those games but they were little or no competition there so I’d have expected that.”