Shayden Morris has spent time studying clips of Arsenal's Raheem Sterling in his prime with hope it can boost his bid of shining for Aberdeen on the continent.
The winger was a standout performer for the Dons during Jimmy Thelin's first season, and his love from the Red Army echoed around Hampden when he forced the own-goal that helped his side to Scottish Cup glory.
That came after being named Aberdeen's player of the year, with the 23-year-old having worked hard on his defensive attributed under the Reds manager.
Fans feared the worst when Neil Warnock was temporarily at the helm, with Morris subbed off early after going 3-0 down to Motherwell inside 30 minutes at Pittodrie, writes the Daily Record.
But since that evening to forget he has only gotten better with every game in red, and he has been taking steps to improve his creativity and finishing touches by watching England winger Sterling at the top of his game with Manchester City for tips.
A Europa League assault looms for Dons while Sterling and his Chelsea team-mates are Champions League-bound after finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Raheem Sterling in action for Arsenal against Crystal Palace
Raheem Sterling in action for Arsenal against Crystal Palace (Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Londoner Morris said: "I still watch old Raheem Sterling clips from the Man City days to study his movement. I want to improve on that so, even before games, sometimes I’ll study him.
"He has pace but he’s also got the skill to make the most of that, so I’m trying to add stuff that he did. I like to think I’m slowly getting better at that so I can help the team as much as possible."
It coincides with the former Fleetwood youngster moving to a new agency, where he can lean on former Scotland international Robert Snodgrass for on-field advice.
Morris added: "I’ve got a good support system around me with my agent Joe Bolger as we do a lot of analysis. Also, Snodgrass is part of the agency and we do a lot of stuff together as well.
Shayden Morris
Shayden Morris (Image: SNS Group)
"He was a winger and quite a technical player, although he didn’t have as much pace as me. In fact, he told me ‘I didn’t have your pace but I’ve got the other side of the game’.
"So if he can help me with that other side, hopefully I can merge into something really special."
The Dons hierarchy remain in discussions with Morris and his representatives over a contract extension. His deal is up next summer and talks have been ongoing for several week, with Thelin hoping an agreement can be thrashed out.
His season may have ended only a week-and-a-half ago but the Pittodrie favourite cannot wait to return to playing group stage games when Dons go into the Europa League play-off round knowing they are set for regular games in either that tourney or the Conference.
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Morris was involved at that play-off stage two seasons ago when Barry Robson’s side lost out to Swedish outfit BK Hacken in 2023.
He then missed the majority of the Conference League group stage games due to injury. Now he is determined to ensure both he and Aberdeen make their mark.
He said: "I played in the two Hacken games, then I got injured but got back for the win over Eintracht Frankfurt. It was massive to be in the side who beat them as they are a big name in Europe and it was a moment to remember.
"Hopefully I can go into it fully fit and create more of those memorable nights for the club. It was hard for me last time. I even missed the travelling to the away games because I was working so hard to get back fit.
"So I would even look forward to that side of playing in European football."