St Mirren's former head of youth development, David Longwell, expects Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers to get the best out of Lewis Morgan.

The 21-year-old winger will remain in Paisley for the remainder of the campaign as Jack Ross' side push for promotion to the top flight.

It was Longwell who recommended St Mirren take Morgan when he was released from Rangers at 16 and he is delighted to see the Scotland under-21 internationalist get the chance to take his career on to another level.

"I can see him making a big impact," Longwell, who now works in the United States heading up New York Red Bull's youth academy, said. "He's two-footed with very good technique. He even takes set-pieces with both feet and that's unusual these days.

"That also means he can play either side of the pitch. He's very quick too and that'll fit the way Celtic play.

"They're always on the front foot, looking to press, so Lewis is ideal for that style."

As well as shaping Morgan's career, Longwell has also helped former Buddies John McGinn and Kenny McLean on their way to Scotland honours.

But he reckons Rodgers is the right man to take over the development of Saints' latest product.

"What encourages me when I look at Celtic is the number of players who've developed under Brendan," said Longwell.

"He's done a great job with Celtic as a team, but also with their individuals.

"People may question Lewis' decision to make that move because other players have gone to Parkhead and not progressed.

"But I look at Stuart Armstrong who signed from a Scottish club and has been a massive success for Celtic. That's who Lewis should look to emulate.

"It'll be hard because Celtic are a high-level club, but he's very open to learning, so he'll soak up all the information Brendan gives him and improve.

"I definitely see him making an impact at some point."

Morgan was deemed surplus to requirements by Gers, but Longwell revealed it took him just one viewing to identify his star quality after catching the youngster in action during an exit trial.

He said: "Obviously he was a lot smaller then, but I think you have to look beyond that and ask, 'Where can we get to?'

"We brought him in and he quickly showed us not only good technique, but also a really good attitude.

"There were aspects he had to improve, but the positive thing about Lewis was that he'd always go off and work on them.

"He's a great example to any young player of what happens when you put the hours in."