Andy Morrison makes big statement about Welsh Cup opponents New Saints

Andy Morrison has claimed that a selection of New Saints players should be playing at a higher level than the Welsh Premier League.

Speaking to Sgorio after a narrow defeat on the final day of the Welsh Premier League, Morrison said: “They should be way above where they’re playing now. People are quite comfy to play in their comfort zone and keep climbing Snowdonia when there are big mountains to climb. 

“These boys are happy to do that and who am I to judge them?

“For me there’s a lot of players there that should be playing at a lot higher level.

“It is well known talent has got nothing to do with how far you go in football. It’s about courage and how far you’re willing to push yourself as a footballer.”

The New Saints claimed an eighth straight Welsh Premier League title, becoming the first side to do so after beating Barry’s previous record of seven straight titles.

Connah’s Quay looked to have competed with The New Saints for a majority of the season and had held top spot for a few months, but in the end the gap between first and second was 12 points.

“Whatever said and done, we’ve got plaudits for getting closer to them and closing the gap and making it a race.

But make no mistake, they’re still way ahead of everybody in this league.

The former Manchester City defender also claims that The New Saints have an advantage due to the playing surface at the The Rock, the host venue of the Welsh Cup final.

Connah’s Quay Nomads’ Deeside Stadium is a grass surface, whilst The New Saints play on a 3G surface.

Only Caernarfon, Connah’s Quay and Llanelli have grass pitches in the Welsh Premier League. The rest are synthetic. 

“It’s another tough one to take. Since joining the Welsh League on I think statistically I’ve played 20 times on 3G and against TNS and never beaten them.

“No team have beaten TNS on grass more than an Andy Morrison team. The fact that we’re going to a 3G pitch for the final gives them an incredibly huge advantage. 

“We’ve got to take that on the chin. It makes the task even tougher than what it should be.”

Connah’s Quay defend their Welsh Cup against the Welsh Premier League champions on Sunday.

(Featured Image: NCM Media)