Liverpool next up in Clinton Morrison's Exeter City revival

Exeter City striker Clinton Morrison believes he still has at least one more chapter to write in his long career.

The 35-year-old initially joined the Grecians on a short-term deal in November 2014 after leaving Colchester United.

He has decided to stay with the League Two outfit until the end of the season – meaning he can take in the mammoth Emirates FA Cup third round tie against Liverpool on Friday night.

Morrison has dabbled with TV punditry and was playing for non-League Long Eaton United, but said the offer from Exeter was too good to turn down.

“I would happily go to college or university to learn something new,” he told the Irish Independent.

“I won’t sit at home and do nothing but you are a long time retired and I want to play as long as possible. I feel fitter than for a long time. I’m obviously not as quick as I used to be but you learn to mix your game up.

“I am proud of my career and I just want to end it well.

“Who would have thought that a boy from south London, growing up in a council estate, would do what I’ve done and be sat here talking in Exeter about playing Liverpool? It’s been a dream and I’m still living it. Long may it continue.”

Morrison continued: “I was calling it a day. I had left Colchester and was not enjoying it so much.

“I was just sometimes having a kick-around locally but, within two or three days, the manager [Paul Tisdale] rang me. I came down here and I enjoyed it.

“If I didn’t like the people, I wouldn’t get out of bed most days. I feel welcomed and loved. The rest is history.”

Morrison celebrates a goal for Crystal Palace in 2005

Having travelled to the 2002 World Cup with Republic of Ireland and scored 113 goals for Crystal Palace – only three players have scored more – Morrison’s big-game experience could be vital on Friday, even though he tends to be used more as an impact sub at St James Park.

He has already had a say in Exeter’s Emirates FA Cup run this season, scoring in their first round victory over Didcot Town in November.

And he reckons all the ingredients are there for the south-west club to make a name for themselves against the seven-time Cup winners.

Morrison added: “Stranger things have happened.

“The pitch won’t be the best, we’ve had a lot of rain down here so it will be difficult for Liverpool to get their slick passing going. If we get in their faces, press them, who knows?

“No-one is expecting anything from us.

“It is on television, playing against Liverpool, a lot of people will be watching, so go and enjoy yourself. It is being shown on TV for a reason; people think there might be an upset.”