Chris Morris (footballer)

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Chris Morris (born Newquay, England, December 24, 1963) is a former professional footballer who made his name as a defender with Celtic in Scotland and Middlesbrough in England, among others. Morris also had a successful playing career with the Republic of Ireland national side, in their golden era under Jack Charlton.

[edit] Club career

Morris first began his career with Sheffield Wednesday in 1983, then in the old Division Two. He won promotion to the First Division with Wednesday in 1984. Morris made seventy-four appearances between 1983 and 1987, scoring one goal along the way. Morris then moved north of the border to Celtic, signing for £125,000 on August 10, 1987. He made his debut in the 4-0 win over Morton, at age 23. Between 1987 and 1992, Morris was the regular right-back for the Bhoys, with 160 appearances and 8 goals to his name. Morris then moved on to Middlesbrough on August 14, 1992, where he remained for several seasons as a first team regular wowing the fans with top-class defensive displays.Was often in the top 3 in player of the season vote

[edit] International career

While with Celtic, Morris caught the attention of Repulic of Ireland boss Jack Charlton. Since taking over in 1986, Charlton had begun to make maximum use of the rule that allowed players with Irish heritage to play for the national team. In doing so, Charlton managed to get top players like John Aldridge and Ray Houghton into the national side. Morris also qualified under this rule, and made a promising debut in the 5-0 friendly win against Israel at Lansdowne Road on November 10, 1987. Morris soon made the number 2 shirt his own, and played his part in the successful qualification bid for Euro 88, the Republic's first ever major tournament. Morris played in all three games of the championships, including the famous 1-0 win over England. Although the Republic were eliminated following a late goal by Wim Kieft in their final group game against Holland, Morris became a household name in Ireland, along the with rest of the team, who were greeted as heroes on their return home. Morris continued in the side that qualified for World Cup 1990 in Italy, another major first for the Republic. He played in every game This time it was a goal from Salvatore Schillaci of Italy that saw Ireland off in the quarter finals, but it was another high-point for the team, and for Morris. Ireland failed to qualify for the next European Championships in 1992, and Morris played his final game against Wales on November 17, 1992.

[edit] Personal life

Chris Morris now runs a pasty restaurant called Morris Pasties in his native Newquay. He has now branched out and opened a second pasty shop in St Merryn near Padstow in Cornwall.^{[citation needed]}

	Republic of Ireland squad - 1990 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finalists
1 Bonner | 2 Morris | 3 Staunton | 4 McCarthy | 5 Moran | 6 Whelan | 7 McGrath | 8 Houghton | 9 Aldridge | 10 Cascarino | 11 Sheedy | 12 O'Leary | 13 Townsend | 14 Hughton | 15 Slaven | 16 Sheridan | 17 Quinn | 18 Stapleton | 19 Kelly | 20 Byrne | 21 McLoughlin | 22 Peyton | Coach: Charlton