Morris, Chris – The Celtic Wiki

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Personal

Fullname: Christopher Morris
aka: Chris Morris
Born: 24 December 1963
Birthplace: Newquay, Cornwall, England
Signed: 8 July 1987 (from Middlesborough)
Left: 12 Aug 1992 (back to Middlesborough)
Position: Defender, Full-back
Debut: Celtic 4-0 Morton, League, 8 Aug 1987
Internationals: Ireland
International Caps: 35
International Goals: 0

Trivia

The only player who took part in all of Celtic’s competitive matches in our Centenary Season (1987-88) – all 55 games.

Biog

Newquay-born Sheffield Wednesday full-back Chris Morris arrived at Parkhead in July 1987.

Although he had played in the top flight of English football he was not highly rated at Wednesday where he was mostly a reserve and regarded as an inferior under-study to Mel Sterland. The £125,000 transfer of an unknown quantity like Chris Morris – who had also been a target for Dundee United – paled significantly in comparison to the high profile and big earning established internationals moving from England to Ibrox. It looked a typically low cost, low ambition move by the Bhoys.

But despite these initial reservations it wasn’t long before the Hoops support were hailing Morris as the find of the summer. Chris Morris made his competitive debut for the Bhoys in a 4-0 home league win over Morton on 8th August 1987. He settled quickly and his early showings in the Hoops demonstrated all the desired qualities of a traditional Celtic full-back.

His thrusting, over-lapping runs were a potent force of attack. His energy and excellent distribution were major assets in a Celtic team with an attacking zeal and renewed sense of confidence. In defence he proved to be a tenacious marker and wingers were seldom able to get the better of Chris Morris.

Chris Morris’ mother was from Ireland and by November, Ireland manager Jack Charlton was so impressed with his form that he called him up to the Republic squad pushing for a place at Euro 88 in Germany.

He sealed an excellent personal season with the opening goal in the 3-0 victory over Dundee at Parkhead which sealed the league championship for the Bhoys and his was one of the first names on the team sheet as the Celts claimed a Centenary double with victory over Dundee United at Hampden in the Scottish Cup final.

An amazing campaign was rounded off in Germany as part of the Irish team that made the historic trip to the Euro 88 championships. The Republic were unlucky to bow out in the first round but their performances had under-lined the rebirth of the international side under Charlton. In particular the 1-0 victory over England in Stuttgart proved to be an unforgettable occasion for Chris Morris and his team-mates.

Sadly the highs of season 1987-88 were never to be repeated. Chris Morris saw a dip in form on his return to domestic duty but he and his team-mates were able to at least salvage a Scottish Cup triumph from an otherwise nightmare campaign. He continued to struggle to meet the high standards of that excellent first season in the Hoops but he enjoyed an impressive 1990 World Cup campaign with Ireland in Italy were he was a key member of the side that made the quarter finals before losing to the hosts.

Those performances seemed to give Chris Morris a much needed confidence boost and for the remainder of his Parkhead career he remained one of the club’s better performers and on occasion even showed sustained signs that his first season brilliance was not lost completely.

However, despite signing a new contract in August 1992 he was moved on to Middlesbrough just days later in an exchange deal with Andy Payton.

Chris Morris – who deserves to be remembered with fondness for his fine contribution to the historic Centenary season – made 206 appearances for the Bhoys and scored nine goals.