Kieran McKenna
Morgan Rogers, 22, joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in a deal worth up to £15 million on the January transfer deadline day. Since then, Rogers has established himself as a key player in Unai Emery’s attack. Rogers, a former England U21 international, previously spent four years at Manchester City and had loan spells at Lincoln, Bournemouth, and Blackpool.
Kieran McKenna said “Morgan Rogers is a player that we know well. We were certainly there or thereabouts to bringing him here a couple of times earlier in his career when he was on his loan moves. He’s a player that I’ve known for a good number of years. We played against him nine months ago when he was at Middlesbrough, now Aston Villa have improved him and the impact he’s having at Premier League level – though hopefully not this weekend – is great to see.”
McKenna also praised Aston Villa’s recruitment strategy, noting that they beat Ipswich to the signing of Hull winger Jaden Philogene, who is currently injured. McKenna highlighted Unai Emery’s ability to improve players and maximize the potential of his squad, which has contributed to Villa’s success, including their fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season to qualify for the Champions League.
Kieran McKenna said “ “They’ve recruited really well. They’ve invested a lot and invested wisely. The manager has shown he consistently improves and gets the best out of what he’s got. That’s why they’re doing so well.”
Ipswich Town, back in the top-flight after a 22-year absence, are still waiting for their first victory of the campaign as they prepare to face Aston Villa, a team that has made significant strides under Emery.
