IF there is one thing youngsters from Football League clubs notice when they venture into the rough and tumble of non-league it’s the increased level of physicality.

Schooled in technique and ball retention, it often comes as a shock when an uncompromising centre-half starts throwing his weight around.

That’s not to say that skill goes out of the window at Worcester City’s level — far from it — but players used to the professional ranks have to find their feet quickly. It has been no different for Kieron Morris but the left-winger, on loan from Walsall until the end of the season, is adapting quickly.

The 18-year-old, operating in the role vacated by Greg Mills, might only have played four games for Carl Heeley’s team but he has not looked out of place.

He scored in the 3-2 victory over Oxford City on Easter Monday and put in a man-of-the-match performance in last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Workington.

While admitting the physical side of the game has been an eye-opener, Morris is settling into life at St George’s Lane. He said: “I’ve learned that the game is a lot more physical and you need to be strong. I’m getting used to it already from playing in four games.

“It’s more technical when you’re playing at a higher level but the Conference North is still a great tempo and it’s good to play in.”

Morris is hoping his brief stint at Worcester will earn him a deal when he returns to the League One Saddlers.

“I’ve come here to get experience, play a bit of men’s football and get used to being involved,” he said. “I want to play well, get a lot of time on the pitch and hopefully keep scoring goals.

“I like to take on players and get balls into the box. My main asset is to dribble and get at players and I feel like I have been doing that since I’ve been here.

“It’s a great club and it’s near my home city of Hereford so it’s nice to be closer to my family.”

He will be hoping to keep his place for today’s match against Hinckley United at the Lane (3pm).

Morris said: “We all just need to keep our chins up and not let losing get us down. We’ve got players in the team with great ability.”