West Ham defender James Tomkins believes Ravel Morrison’s impressive performance in the 2-1 Capital One Cup win over Cheltenham shows he has matured.
The 20-year-old former Manchester United trainee enjoyed an excellent full debut, scoring the second goal and displaying his ability with both feet.
Tomkins, who himself impressed as captain for the night, believes Morrison is a changed man following his season-long loan at Birmingham.
“We’ve always known Ravel had the talent but after the loan spell at Birmingham you can see he has matured a lot,” said Tomkins. “If he continues the way he is I am sure he will go on from strength to strength. His technical ability is second to none. He’s a real talent.
“I am sure we will help him if he needs it but to be fair to him he’s gone off to Birmingham and improved himself. He’s matured, he’s got some first-team football under his belt and he seems to have come back a different guy.
“The dressing-room here is good and he’s fitted in. If he continues to play like that he will certainly get some game time in this season.
“Going out on loan was a big benefit for me as well. I went to Derby and there was nothing better than playing first-team football every week. That experience of playing in a tough league like the Championship helped me mature a great deal and it seems to have done the same for Ravel.
“Like myself now, he needs more minutes under his belt and I am sure we’ll both be pressing [for a place].”
Assistant manager Neil McDonald believes the West Ham youngster’s display is the “knock on the door that the manager wants” and Morrison himself paid tribute to the help he has received.
The midfielder said: “When I first came back, I felt like I settled in and the players helped me. They were all looking after me, helping me and pushing me forward.
“I am really enjoying my football. Hopefully, I can get a Premier League start but let’s wait and see.”
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Ricardo Vaz Te put West Ham in front through a 42nd-minute free-kick and Morrison made it 2-0 a minute into the second half from the edge of the box. Matt Richards pulled one back for Cheltenham from the penalty spot after Adrian fouled Sam Deering.
