DEADLINE day signing Lewis Morgan has told Sunderland fans to expect him to be full of fight and possessing the desire to hold down a first team spot at the Stadium of Light.

The Celtic playmaker, who plays out wide too, completed his loan switch to Wearside this morning and many expect him to slot straight into the starting line-up because of his previous working relationship with manager Jack Ross.

But Morgan knows that he will not be taking anything for granted and is focused on making the most of his chance to shine at Sunderland have being largely on the periphery of things at Celtic since joining from St Mirren.

The Northern Echo:

“Sunderland fans can see someone who works hard off the ball and then someone who is direct with the ball,” said Morgan, pictured playing for St Mirren.

“I have obviously come from a club where there is competition for places and I am not going to be alien to that here.

“I know there are players who have the jersey here and I respect that. I will try to get into the thoughts for Saturday (against Wimbledon).”

But Morgan, who was part of the St Mirren team under Ross that went from relegation candidates to title winners in the Championship north of the border, believes working under the former Hartlepool defender should help him enormously.

“There were a few teams interested and the decision was Sunderland for me, the size of the club, the staff and the players here, I am sure there is something special going on and hopefully I can contribute to that,” said Morgan.

“I have come off the back of a couple of seasons playing week in and week out and at Celtic I wasn’t so hopefully this is an opportunity to play more. I want to score and create goals, work hard for the team, and get used to playing regularly again.

“English football will be different for me. I am only here a short period of time but I want to grasp it.

“Me and the manager have a close relationship and that was formed up the road and it is something I am looking forward to continuing here. It will be easier here to adapt knowing the manager and coaching staff.”

And Ross, whose side are looking to close the gap on the top two once the window has closed, said: "I worked closely with Lewis for several years during my time at St Mirren, and his progression at that time was terrific.

"I’ve been very open and honest with him about how hard he will have to work to get into our team, as we have some very good players, but he’s welcomed that challenge. He’s still young but he’s an exciting player, and I know exactly what he’s capable of."