The boy with the form in his side: 'phenomenal' Morrissey signs new Cork City deal

Cork City have put the first piece in place for their first title defence as midfielder Gearóid Morrissey has penned a fresh two-year contract with his hometown club.

Morrissey was a key cog in the City engine room as John Caulfield's side sealed a first Premier Division title in 12 years with two games to spare.

The 25-year-old scored a career-best six goals as City led the league from start to finish, beginning with 12 consecutive wins as they went 22 games unbeaten.

“I think [Cork City] is the place to be at the moment,” Morrissey told the club's official website.

“We have worked hard to get to where we are and I am enjoying my time with John (Caulfield), John Cotter, Liam Kearney and the group that is here.

“Bar my year in Cambridge, I have been here since FORAS came in and it is great to be here now in the good times when we are doing well and challenging for cups and leagues. I am really excited for next season.”

“I knew I had to add goals to my game and, thankfully, they have been goals that have meant something, so I am happy from that point of view.

“It will be my first time experiencing the Champions League and I am relishing the thought of it, as are the rest of the players and the fans.

“There is a buzz around the city at the moment and I think next year will be a special year as well.”

Caulfield added: “He is a local lad and is coming into the peak of his career now, so I feel that in the next three or four years, he will be the standout player in the league.”

“Everyone knows his ability, he can drive the team on from midfield. He’s a phenomenal footballer, he’s brilliant on the ball and he has scored four or five goals from outside the box this year.

“He’s an all-action player and he is passionate about playing for this club and this city.”

Morrissey played youth football with Ringmahon Rangers and Blackburn Rovers before signing his first senior deal with City ahead of the 2010 season.

He helped the club to the First Division title in 2011 and was a virtual ever-present at the top level for three years before joining Cambridge United at the conclusion of the 2014 season.

He made 10 appearances for Cambridge during an injury-interrupted year before returning to Cork 12 months later.