Cambridge United head coach Garry Monk says ‘age is just a number’ for 36-year-old captain Michael Morrison

Cambridge United head coach Garry Monk has praised the impact that captain Michael Morrison has made since regaining his place in the side.

Morrison, who will turn 37 next March, started just one of United’s opening six League One matches this season and was unused substitute in four of those.

However, since being included in the line-up for 2-0 home defeat to Lincoln City on 28 September, the skipper has been an ever present and a key part of a defensive unit that has kept six clean sheets in Cambridge’s last nine games in all competitions.

Monk already had a pre-existing relationship with Morrison prior to taking the United job from their time together at Birmingham City – and he is unsurprised by the level of his performances, which were capped by the man of the match award on Tuesday in the 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers.

“I’ve got previous history with Morro from Birmingham – I managed him there,” said Monk.

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with him from the start and always had good communication with him.

“He’s a great professional, as you can see. He’s been a key leader in the changing room and a key leader on the pitch. We all know the attributes that he brings.

“At his age, it’s just a number for players that like who are still performing well. And that’s the key – it’s the performance.

“He’s wise enough to know that even at the beginning of the season, an opportunity will always come around and it’s about what you do with that opportunity. Him – like some of the others – have taken that opportunity in the backline.

“They’re performing really well and are given us a foundation to be on this run of form. He’s ready like everyone else to keep contributing to that.”

Morrison has made a total of 14 appearances in all competitions so far this season.