MJ WILLIAMS predicts big things ahead for team-mate Aaron Morley as he becomes a more complete midfielder.

Impressed by the way his former Rochdale colleague has handled the step up to Wanderers’ level this season, Williams has tipped the 22-year-old to make an even bigger impact for the Whites next season.

“He is getting better and better,” said the Liverpudlian, who has now played 48 games alongside Morley in his career.

“I remember when he first came through at Rochdale being really impressed with the way he passes the ball and he has added to that game now, defensively.

“In League One there is always a demand where midfielders have to be able to run the other way and track back with runners. He has started to do that now.

“Aaron is a top player, has come in and settled really quickly, and he has been a joy to play with, really.”

Wanderers yesterday confirmed Cambridge United defender Jack Iredale as the first new addition to next season’s squad, with the promise of more big business on the horizon.

A permanent deal for Fulham’s Marlon Fossey is understood to be close and Ian Evatt is also looking to bring James Trafford back to the club on loan, if Manchester City want him to continue at League One level.

Williams accepts there will be even greater competition for places next term as the Whites look to make a sustained push for promotion.

“This is a massive club and there will always be good players coming in whenever there is a transfer window,” he said. “You have to be on top of your game and I think the lads know that – we’re all ready to fight for a place.”

Even Williams – who had been virtually un-droppable following his arrival from Blackpool in January 2020 – has had to step out of the side to accommodate tactical changes in the second half of this season.

Evatt has several midfield options and the former Liverpool man concedes there will be times when every player has to take a back seat for the good of the team.

“I accept it when the gaffer pulls you aside and explains why,” he said. “It is a squad game and we have some brilliant players in midfield here, so whatever mix it is with me, Aaron (Morley), Demps (Kyle Dempsey), we have Josh Sheehan coming back and Kieran Lee as well, it is a strong position now and over the season you have to rotate. Whenever I am called upon, I’ll be ready.”

Wanderers missed out on the play-offs but showed in the latter stages of the campaign that they could match those gunning for promotion, which gives Williams hope for the future.

“I think we knew we could compete,” he said of the run against Wigan, Pompey and Sheffield Wednesday.

“Going into the week with those three games we never feared any of those sides, we knew we could come out with a result. But it is about doing that on a more consistent basis now where we are winning those big games and that is what will put us up there.

“We have learned a lot this season. Yes, we all wanted to get into the play-offs or to get promoted, but we have belief that with a big pre-season we can go strong next year.”

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