Portsmouth midfielder, Joe Morrell believes bookings are inevitable but does admit he needs to be more careful moving forward.
Morrell joined Pompey from Luton Town in 2021 and has gone on to be one of the mainstays in the team under various managers.
So far this season, the Welshman has made eight appearances, starting in every League One game.
John Mousinho’s side is yet to lose a game this campaign and Morrell has been one of the most important cogs in the machine.
With his style of play, comes the risk of bookings, something he has encountered in two games so far this season.
What has Joe Morrell said?
The Welsh international was all for defending himself in terms of getting cards.
Discussing his reasoning, he said: “As a midfielder, I’m going to pick up bookings.
“I will get five bookings this season, I’m not going to avoid that.”
It is not just Morell who will encounter this issue.
On others in the squad, he added: “I think Regan Poole is on four now. It happens when you play 40-plus games a year.
“As a midfielder, it’s virtually impossible for me not to get five bookings.”
The question is are these bookings wholly necessary?
The midfielder believes he could improve in that sense: “You have to be careful. You have to pick and choose what you pick them up for.”
Morrell believes his own style comes with risks but it is worth it.
On that point, he said: “I’m small but I’m intense. Hopefully, people can see that.
“I try to make it as difficult for the opposition, as possible and that’s one of my strengths. But, of course, I have to make sure that doesn’t turn into a weakness.”
With a tough test in Wigan Athletic up next, Morell will hope his form can keep his side ticking.