After a near miss last season, Morris is focused on ending the club's trophy drought.
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Aberdeen winger Shayden Morris is on a mission to secure a winner’s medal this season, setting his sights on the Scottish Cup as the Dons prepare for their quarter-final clash against Championship side Queen’s Park. After experiencing the disappointment of a runner-up finish in the League Cup final against Rangers last season, Morris is eager to turn his fortunes around and bring home a trophy for the club.
From disappointment to determination
Last season, Morris was part of the Aberdeen squad that narrowly lost to Rangers in the League Cup final. The 23-year-old admits that the runner-up medal he received has since been misplaced, a reflection of his desire to focus solely on victories rather than reminders of past disappointments.
“A runner-up medal is just disappointment,” he stated. “If it was a winner’s medal, I would have it framed, but I don’t want to dwell on what could have been.”
Ending a 35-year trophy drought
Aberdeen has not lifted the Scottish Cup since 1990, and Morris is determined to change that narrative. The Dons have shown strong form in cup competitions this season, winning all eight of their ties against lower-league opposition, scoring an impressive 26 goals while conceding just once. Morris believes that their previous encounters with Queen’s Park will serve as a valuable lesson as they prepare for the upcoming match. “We know it’s going to be a tough game,” he said, acknowledging Queen’s Park’s recent upset victory over Rangers in the previous round of the Scottish Cup.
Aiming for dual success
Currently sitting fourth in the Premiership, just one point behind Hibernian, Aberdeen is not only focused on the Scottish Cup but also on securing European qualification. Finishing third in the league guarantees a spot in the Europa League, while a fourth-place finish would see them enter the Conference League. Morris expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle the pressure, stating, “Every game is a cup final for us from now until the end of the season.”
Reuniting with a mentor
This weekend’s match will also see Morris reunite with former mentor Barry Nicholson, now the assistant manager at Queen’s Park. Nicholson played a pivotal role in Morris’s development during his time at Fleetwood Town, and the winger credits him for helping him transition into first-team football. “Barry was really good with me,” Morris recalled. “He always kept an eye on the younger players and pushed us to progress.”
As Aberdeen prepares for this crucial match, Morris’s determination to secure a winner’s medal is palpable. With the support of the fans and a strong squad behind him, he is hopeful that this season will mark the end of a long trophy drought for the Dons.
