We are in this together, insists Morais

GIVE ME A CHANCE: Filipe Morais is desperate to secure a place in Athletic’s starting line-up.

ATHLETIC'S vaunted team spirit appeared to be in short supply during one tasty exchange at the weekend.

A difference of opinion late in the defeat to Brentford saw substitute winger Filipe Morais and centre-back Zander Diamond square up to each other inside Athletic's penalty area.

While not up to the fists-flying standard of the most infamous on-field fights — Graeme Le Saux and David Batty's battle of Moscow while both were playing for Blackburn in an away European Cup tie is a classic of the genre — it was still disquieting.

As the squad prepare for the Exeter test this Saturday, though, Morais has quelled any suspicion that there was any more to it than an ill-judged moment of madness borne out of the game going against Athletic.

"The boys all want to put it right after Brentford and we are all in it together — though everyone probably thinks we all hate each other after what happened with me and Zander," said Morais, who played for the full duration of the reserves' 3-3 home draw with Burnley on Tuesday.

"Nothing could be further from the truth. We are great mates and I have spoken to the gaffer about it.

"I lost my head. But what happens on the pitch stays there."

The visible frustration of Morais was possibly in part down to his limited first-team opportunities.

Carrying a suspension into the new season after being dismissed against Walsall late last term, a flare-up of a long-standing knee cartilage injury threatened to keep him out long term.

Happily, that danger has now been averted and the former Hibs and St Johnstone man is looking to bed down a place in manager Paul Dickov's starting line-up.

"The Burnley game was good for me, as I really needed to get 90 minutes under my belt," Morais added.

"As far as the knee goes, it feels good. I am there with it now.

"I felt quite strong out there and the goal for me is to be starting games rather than just getting a few minutes here and there.

"It is an injury that I did when I was 19 years old.

"It is something that I have to manage and keep on top of.

"I got a knock on the knee and spent two weeks out. I saw a surgeon and was told that I didn't need an operation.

"Now I need to keep on working hard, concentrating on strengthening the muscles around the affected area.

"It has been frustrating, as I really wanted to play through a full season.

"These things happen. Now it is time to get back playing again."

Which position the versatile and tricky 26-year-old, who has started five games this season, actually takes up when he comes back into the side is open to debate.

"I prefer to be a number 10, behind the main striker where I feel I can score and set up goals," Morais said.

"As far as playing on the wings goes, my preference would be for the left side where I can cut in and create.

"But Chris Taylor also likes playing there and he is a quality player.

"I will happily play anywhere the manager asks me to."