Steve Morison’s office days make him work harder

Just five years ago Steve Morison was at the lowest ebb in his career.

Having left Northampton Town to move to non-League Bishops Stortford, the striker combined playing with working in an office at a paper-shredding company.

Which is why, as he prepares for Millwall's Championship opener against Bristol City tomorrow, he will be savouring every moment of action in the second tier of English football.

"I have experienced life on the other side of the fence, so to speak," he said. "I've combined non-League football with office work and working on a building site so it makes me appreciate where I have come from and the hard work I have put in.

"From the office to one step below the Premier League is a big step and I am ready for it — it's obviously a massive shift but you've got to meet the challenges head-on."

Morison has never played at this level while it is four years since Millwall were last in the Championship.

Having lost the 2009 League One play-off final to Scunthorpe, Kenny Jackett's men went one better in May, beating Swindon at Wembley.

Morison believes Jackett's men can more than hold their own in the Championship.

"We're all just raring to go now. I'd back my goalscoring ability against anyone," said Morison. "You have to be confident if you want to succeed. I am not saying I am going to be top scorer and we're going to finish as champions but we've got a great young team here and a great manager, so anything is possible."