Can Morgan make a name for himself in the MLS?

Paisley-born Lewis Morgan opted to move away from Scotland after his career at Celtic came to an end, travelling across the pond to the United States. The former Scotland international enjoyed two fine seasons with Inter Miami before the standard of his performances caught the attention of the New York Red Bulls, who acquired the 25-year-old for the 2022 campaign.

Morgan has gone from strength to strength with the Red Bulls in their drive to reach the MLS playoffs. He has been a constant presence in the final third both scoring and creating goals for New York. The Red Bulls are backed in the odds on football at 14/1 to win the MLS title in the 2022 campaign. The signs are encouraging for New York to compete for the crown as Gerhard Struber’s men are positioned in third place after 22 games, well ahead in the hunt for a place in the playoffs. Despite their form, the football tips from industry experts may tell you to avoid placing an outright bet on New York due to their history.

Lewis Morgan desperate for Scotland recognition as ex-Celtic star shines with New York Red Bulls 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿#RBNYhttps://t.co/9ZJEcms57Y pic.twitter.com/nJxg4GN6nP

— Football Scotland (@Football_Scot) March 7, 2022

The Red Bulls have been on form in the past in the regular season, finishing top of the standings on three occasions, although they’ve never managed to raise their game in the post-season. New York have flattered to deceive in the MLS Cup playoffs, reaching the final only once in the 2008 campaign. The onus is very much on Morgan and his team-mates to deliver the crown for the first time.

Morgan more than most has been an integral part in their success in the 2022 season. The forward has been clinical in the final third, scoring nine goals after 20 matches along with two assists. It has been his most productive season since the 2017/18 campaign when he was a key asset in driving Jack Ross’ team to the Scottish Premiership. The winger earned a move to Celtic on the back of his outstanding displays, but lost his way at Celtic Park as he failed to force himself into the starting line-up. He linked up with Ross at Sunderland, but still could not regain his peak form.

Struber has brought out the best in Morgan as an attacking force, improving his finishing in front of goal. The 25-year-old has always had a potent left foot, but he has refined his skills and has been predatory at times this term, playing far and away the best football of his career. If he continues to operate at this level, he may just think about a return to Scotland or even England to revive his international career.

How Lewis Morgan is faring for Sunderlandhttps://t.co/6zlMyBG5yG pic.twitter.com/MtEZeNjfJg

— Record Celtic Podcast (@DR_Celtic) February 13, 2019

Morgan is unlikely ever to get the call back into the Scotland ranks while playing in the MLS. There’s not a high level of trust in the standard of the competition compared to the Scottish Premiership, and of course the Premier League and Championship in England. Morgan failed to make the grade in the Scottish Premiership at Celtic and at Sunderland in League One, but he has had time to develop and it seems that he is ready to take on the challenge of playing at a higher level. The Red Bulls will be the ones to benefit from his resurgence now, but other teams will be monitoring his progress in the future.