Wearing the number nine shirt, famous for David Healy’s goalscoring exploits at the turn of the century, Morrison played the opening 45 minutes of the friendly against the African side.

With an average age of 22.1, he was part of the youngest starting XI on record since the end of World War Two, and he was one of two debutants.

Arsenal teenager Ceadach O’Neill was introduced off the bench, and Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson scored the winner but was also sent off as he made his first start.

“I was shocked when I seen number nine. I don’t think I’ve ever worn number nine,” Morrison reported.

“I was expecting 10 or 17 or something, but I’m proud with number nine.

“I’m proud and I’ll keep it forever.”

He also reported he was proud of his fellow debutant O’Neill, who also came through the Northern Ireland set up in the JD Academy.

“Me and Ceadach are close. I was mocking him on his number [O’Neill wore number 13], it’s a goalkeeper’s number.

“But I was proud of him to make his debut. He deserves it.

“It was a really proud moment for him and his family.”

Kieran Morrison and Marc GuehiImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Kieran Morrison made his first-team debut at Liverpool in the EFL Cup defeat by Crystal Palace in October

After getting a taste of international football, Morrison will be hoping for more minutes against France in Lille on Monday.

While Guinea pushed a young Northern Ireland side, France will be another level as their star-studded team will look to head off to the World Cup with a big win.

For Morrison, it will be a reunion with former Liverpool team-mate Ibrahima Konate, who looks set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

He joked that he is hoping their friendship will have some benefits when it comes to getting the shirt of a big name.

“It will be some game. Hopefully I can catch up with Ibou after it,” Morrison reported.

“That’s the best game you can get. Hopefully I can get whatever minutes I can on the pitch and try to prove myself to the fans and for everyone.

“Hopefully I can tell him to get me a [Ousmane] Dembele or something on the secret. Hopefully I can get whatever shirt I can.”

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  • Irish Football
  • Football
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  • Northern Ireland Men’s Football Team

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