‘Ravel, listen, there is only one mug in this country that will take a chance on you now and that is me’ - that was Harry Redknapp’s message to the supremely talented Ravel Morrison after inviting him to train with Birmingham City.
Now 24, Morrison is cutting it fine if he plans on fulfilling the potential that saw him tipped for greater things than the world’s most expensive footballer Paul Pogba.
While £89million Pogba patrols Manchester United’s midfield, his former partner in the Carrington youth ranks is seeking another shot at St Andrew’s after a troubled spell in Italy with Lazio.
As Redknapp says, he probably is the only manager, in this country anyway, who believes he can coax the moments of genius from Morrison’s box of tricks that make offering him another chance worth the risk.
But it’s those glimpses of star quality that entice us all to down tools and buy a ticket every Saturday afternoon.
Morrison can provide that ‘wow’ factor - an addiction that Redknapp has embraced throughout his managerial career.
In fact, the first time Redknapp managed a team to promotion from the Championship his team contained the maverick that is Paul Merson.
Redknapp knew ‘Merse’ came with baggage when he signed him for Portsmouth in 2002, but he was also aware of his ability to change a game instantly with a wonderful pass, a nifty turn or a stunning strike.
Emmanuel Adebayor and Adel Taarabt are two others who fall into that category. Redknapp persisted with both at Spurs and QPR respectively and saw his efforts rewarded, particularly with Adebayor who played some of his best football under the 70-year-old’s stewardship.
And, make no mistake about it, Morrison wants to play for Redknapp. While nothing has been agreed with Lazio, who still own Morrison, the noises from Wast Hills have been positive.
Morrison is relaxed around the training ground and fully focused on creating the right impression to a group of players he soon hopes to call his teammates.
Touch wood, but the penny finally appears to have dropped.
Redknapp has discovered a more mature Morrison than the one he managed at Loftus Road in 2014.
That Morrison scored six goals in 17 appearances as the Hoops earned promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, and this new and improved Morrison could hold the keys to another Redknapp success story.
