West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has warned Ravel Morrison that he needs to start taking his chance at the club.
West Ham boss wants impact from youngster
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has warned Ravel Morrison that he needs to start taking his chance at the club.
The Hammers signed the 19-year-old from Manchester United in January, after he refused a new deal with the Premier League champions.
The teenage midfielder has long been rated as one of the best players of his generation, but he has gained more attention for off-field incidents rather than anything he has produced on the pitch.
And Allardyce says he needs to heed advice otherwise his career will be over before it starts, with Morrison still yet to make his first start for club since joining.
"If he refuses to accept the guidance, then the career will never take off," Allardyce said in
the People.
"Once he gets a chance, he will either take it or he won't.
"He has to sink or swim. There is no record of Ravel transferring his talent from youth or reserve football into a first team. He's done well for England's youth teams but that's kids' football - not men's football.
"The talent is there - what is in his personality is the key to delivering a career. We can guide him to succeed in his own career but he's responsible for that.
"Many players with great talent haven't always delivered what they should. Okay, you can make a living but never fulfil what that talent deserves.
"The talent deserves the big stage, but you have to have the capability psychologically to transform that ability.
"There's been more interest in him than probably any other player I have had. We will try to improve Ravel in all areas. He's a great talent."
