Aidan Morris has handed Middlesbrough a summer transfer boost – by insisting he believes he’s in the right place to realise his World Cup dream.

Morris has so far had nine caps for the USA and was named in Mauricio Pochettino’s first two USA squads. However, injured in the second before a game was played, he missed out in March despite being back fit. Now, his focus is on making sure he gets back into his country’s squad, ahead of next month’s friendlies.

The next year is particularly significant for Morris because next summer the USA will host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. Representing his country at a home World Cup is highly likely to be a once-in-a-career opportunity for the Boro star, and he’s desperate to earn his spot.

“I’ve still got work to do to really earn my spot in the squad, but I take that day by day,” Morris said. “Representing the USA is everything to me. Nine appearances is not enough! I love it every time and I’m hungry for more. For sure, I’ll be there [at the 2026 USA World Cup].

“To have a World Cup in your back yard, it’s something to remember for a long time. Hopefully that will help drive change and inspire the next generation. Seeing the biggest tournament in the world in your back yard is a huge thing.”

To do that, Morris has 12 more months to impress and prove to Pochettino that he should be included in the USA squad. At this stage, it’s not yet confirmed whether nations will be permitted to name 23 players or 26, after the increase in 2022 due to the unique nature of the Qatar tournament.

Should he wish to, Morris would likely have the ability to force through a move to a top European league in order to try and improve his international chances, with the tenacious midfielder already earning suitors before Boro nipped in to get him first last summer. However, in a boost for Boro, it would appear he’ll be unlikely to push for such, with the 23-year-old convinced his World Cup goal is achievable on Teesside.

He said: “For sure. I love where I’m at right now, I love the pressure that brings. I love the environment we have here, and the guys in the dressing room. I’m very happy here. We have such a talented group and we just need to put the pieces together.

“It’s flown by. It’s been fun. I think I said it when I first arrived, it’s always been my dream to come over here and play. It’s going by quick, the fans have been amazing and the atmosphere and culture, just everything about it here has been great.

“I really appreciate all the support I’ve received and I hear the fans chanting and singing my name. It means a lot. It helps you through tough times because we’re not always going to be perfect. But we’ll always give it our all because we see the fans up there, every game, being loud.”

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