Former Ireland striker Clinton Morrison has described as “gutting” his son Shay’s decision to quit football.
However, the 45-year-old accepted the choice of Shay, who has just turned 19, as he didn’t want to be a “pushy parent”.
Morrison’s son opted out of a potential career five years ago and has gone on to study in university.
At one stage, however, the 36-time capped former Ireland striker believed he would have an heir to his goalscoring throne, as Shay was developing as a forward of real promise.
“He was in the academy,” Morrison told Mirror Sport, speaking on behalf of [Freebets](https://www.freebets.com/). “It’s gutting, to be fair. He was flying at Nottingham Forest.
“Then one day he came home at 14 or 15 and said, ‘Dad, I don’t enjoy football’.
“You can’t be a pushy parent and say, ‘I want you to be a footballer’. It’s not in him to be a footballer, he doesn’t enjoy it.
“He probably went because he was young and he probably thought that’s what I wanted him to do. But when you get to that age, it’s kind of difficult.”
Morrison hasn’t given up hope of one day watching one of his children play professional football.
Kian Morrison is one year younger than his brother and he too has plenty of talent - but as a centre-half rather than a centre-forward.
“They both have Irish names,” said Morrison (45), who scored nine goals for Ireland.
“Shay Given always likes to mention that I named my son after him. Get out of here! I was always going to name him that.
“My youngest, Kian, is good though, he’s got a great chance of being a professional.
“He’s not at a club at the moment because he wants to go and enjoy himself and play with his friends. But he’s got a good chance.
“But yeah, my oldest, Shay, he decided it wasn’t for him. He is now at uni and he is doing well. You have got to be a father, you can’t be pushy.
“Shay played as a striker, Kian plays as a centre-half.
“I’d say my youngest is in the mould of John Stones. If he can have half the career that John Stones had, I’ll take that.
“He doesn’t like to kick it, he just likes to play out from the back and defend. So we’ve got a chance here.”
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