Magical Morgan is star attraction
LEWIS MORGAN produced a stunning individual performance, scoring twice and setting up the other, as dismal Dundee Untied were unceremoniously knocked from the Championship summit.
The 20-year-old attacker was simply irresistible as he teased and tormented United all day with his pace, trickery and finishing power.
He left the field to a standing ovation from the St Mirren fans, who must now be concerned that suitors could come calling before the window shuts.
St Mirren threw out a £250,000 offer from Burton Albion in the summer but they may have to prepare themselves for more bids in the week ahead.
On yesterday’s evidence, the Paisley board may have to field a number of enquiries.
Manager Jack Ross knows that he will leave at some point but hopes he can remain inspire their bid to return to the Premiership.
Ross said: ‘The performance of Lewis was special — but without being blasé, that didn’t surprise me because I know how good he is and how good he has been.
‘He is a special player who is only going to get better and has a big future ahead of him.
‘Lewis is so two-footed and he is a pleasure to work with. Not many players have that ability to finish with either foot.
‘We turned down bids for him in the summer and the board deserve huge credit for that.
‘I argued my case and I felt he was better than the opportunities he was getting offered — and I think he believes me.
‘I don’t think we’re in a position where we need to sell.
‘Will Lewis move from here at some point? Of course he will — and it will be to a bigger club.
‘We understood the importance of winning, although it’s early in the season, to give us a belief of where we can go. The manner of the performance was a bonus.’
It was poor defending by United that afforded Morgan the space to fire home the 26th-minute opener.
Inexplicably, the visitors backed off as Morgan charged towards their box and he drilled a right-foot shot into the corner from 18 yards.
Three minutes into the second half, he bettered that effort.
Morgan took a pass from Liam Smith on the right corner of the box, then moved to his left to curl a wonderful srike into the net.
He was far from finished. With 12 minutes remaining, Morgan raced down the right side, easing away from Jamie Robson, before releasing the perfect pass for Ian McShane, who drove a right-foot shot into the top right corner.
United boss Ray McKinnon was confronted by one angry fan at the end and admitted the performance was not good enough.
He said: ‘I’m very disappointed. I didn’t see that performance coming. It was very unexpected.
‘It’s a difficult one to take. I was disappointed with the whole team — it wasn’t just one or two. It was a really low performance level from everyone.
‘I’m not going to take anything away from St Mirren because they worked hard and scored good goals.
‘We have to look at it and rectify it quickly, although it proves this is a very tough league. We will come back stronger.
‘A fan came around and had a go at me but that’s understandable as they are as frustrated as we are.
‘When it’s good, you take the plaudits and when it’s bad, you have to accept it. We weren’t great, so we will accept the criticism.’