ROGERS' ROCKY ROAD TO THE TOP

Morgan opens up on 'struggle' to succeed

- By John Cross

MORGAN ROGERS says it has been a “struggle” to reach the top but he is now determined to stay there.

Rogers was on Manchester City’s books as a teenager and played through all the England age groups, although he found it difficult to realise his full potential.

The Aston Villa playmaker admitted he did not always believe in his own ability, and had to take a step down with Middlesbrough before becoming a top-flight star.

Rogers believes he has “gone up a level” as Villa have reached the Champions League quarter-finals, and he is now hungry to make his mark with England.

He said: “It’s been a bit of a struggle to get here.

“I’m a person who needs confidence given to me from a manager. I’ve learned you're not always going to get it so you've got to find it within yourself.

“The last two managers I've had I've taken that next step and got that next level of confidence.