Toronto FC left back and Canadian International Ashtone Morgan is well known for his endless pace and capacity to deliver a wicked cross into the opposition box. So in that sense, the term no rest for the wicked does apply in a one way to the personable and well mannered young professional.
While his TFC teammates are now enjoying a little bit of break due to the International calendar, Morgan arrived in Florida at the beginning of the week to join the rest of his Canadian National Team teammates. And according to the reigning Canadian U-20 Player of the Year, he is just happy to be joining the national team fresh off of a couple of key victories for his club side in the MLS and Canadian Championship tournament.
“It’s really good and is a sign of relief, as well as a monkey off my shoulders. I’m hoping to continue the success we have had in Toronto over the last couple weeks into my time with the national team,” says Morgan.
At 21 years old, the TFC Academy Graduate possesses young legs and he is quick to admit that any opportunity to don his national team kit is something that invigorates him, even taking into account the fact that Toronto FC has endured a physically and mentally draining schedule over the last several months.
“I’m all right. Going to a national team camp is something that brings new life and a new energy. I’m just going to go in 100% and work really hard and try my best.”
With Canada staring down two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Cuba and Honduras over the next couple of weeks, the national team’s left side has been decimated with injuries. Following on the previous announcement that left back Marcel de Jong is injured and unable to participate this time around, Canadian soccer supporters were recently shocked and saddened by the news that left winger Josh Simpson has suffered a major leg injury and could be out of action for up to eight months.
While Morgan is quick admit that the loss of Simpson is unfortunate, he is also confident that he and his teammates have the quality to fill the void on the left side and to continue the high level of excellence that the Victoria, B.C. native established with the national team over the last number of years.
“It’s a shame what happened to Josh and hopefully he has a speedy recovery. But, yeah, I need to pick things up and take things up from his standard. He does a lot on the left side and we need to continue that success and keep going forward with it.”
With two caps to his credit, Morgan is also feeling more comfortable within the Canadian national team setup, as he now has had a couple of training camps to build his relationships on and off the field with the other players.
“It’s feels good. I actually know some of the guys now and have a little bit of chemistry with most of them. So I can go into the camp a little more relaxed in that regard.”
Even though the clear focus for all of the Canadian players is on the World Cup qualifying matches against Cuba and Honduras, Morgan admits that would not mind suiting up at home in Toronto against the United States in Canada’s centenary match on Sundat, especially given the fact that injuries at TFC prevented him from taking part in the recent win over the U.S. that the Canada U-23 side achieved at the Olympic qualifying tournament several weeks back.
“They are our rivals and our next door neighbours. All those games mean a lot, whether it is a friendly or a game that counts. It’s always a big game and I hope I get some minutes and that I can prove what I have got.”
With Canada kicking off a crucial round of World Cup qualifying away in Havana on June 8th, Morgan is also thankful for the CONCACAF experience he has picked up over the last several years in the CONCACAF Champions League matches in Mexico and Central America he played with Toronto FC.
“It’s been great. I have gotten that experience in the Central American countries with the heat and style of play. And I have started to get accustomed to it, so going into these games over the next couple of weeks, I should ready for them.”
Overall, Morgan is clearly confident in his own abilities and is focused on making an impact for his national team in whatever situation or role he is called upon by Canadian National Team Head Coach Stephen Hart.
“I’m feeling good and confident. I feel that my feet are finally under me now. We got our first two wins in the Canadian Championship and in the MLS, so I’m feeling really good. I’m looking to continue that success into the national team camp.”
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