Paul Simpson says Morgan Feeney’s player of the month award is fully deserved – and also praised Everton for giving the defender a good grounding.

The Carlisle United centre-half was voted League Two’s top player for March in a fans’ poll run by Football League World.

It follows some impressive displays in the Blues’ back line during their revival under Simpson.

As well as performing well, Feeney has also been handed the captain’s armband in the closing stages of recent games.

Simpson said the 23-year-old’s leadership qualities are no secret – while his boyhood club can also take some credit.

United’s manager said: “I saw it [his leadership attributes] right through the Everton development teams.

News and Star: Feeney has impressed in United's defence (photo: Barbara Abbott)Feeney has impressed in United's defence (photo: Barbara Abbott)

“He came in my England Under-19s and missed out on the Euro finals because of being injured. I can’t remember whether he was captain of my 19s or not – but he certainly was a leader.

“I think that’s credit to Everton, because the way they bring their scholars up through their academy system is brilliant.

“When they get into Under-23s football with David Unsworth, they really do it properly. I used to enjoy watching Everton when they had an Under-23s game because they made it real.

“They made it proper football the way they went about it.

“Unsy also does work where the lads have to sleep out one night with the homeless to show them they’re in a really privileged position.

“It’s that sort of thing that develops the life skills for these lads. Morgan’s took it all on board and is producing performances now which are excellent, and keeping him in the side, and now earning him the accolades he’s just got.”

News and Star: Feeney's memorable March included a late winner at Oldham (photo: Barbara Abbott)Feeney's memorable March included a late winner at Oldham (photo: Barbara Abbott) (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Feeney joined United from Sunderland in January 2021 but a foot injury curtailed his first season at Brunton Park.

His performances this campaign, though, are making him a fans’ favourite, with his contributions recently also including a memorable winning goal against Oldham Athletic.

Simpson added: “He’s been excellent so far.

“When I came in and saw the team that had been selected for the previous game, and saw there were two young centre-backs playing in the back four, Morgan and Dynel [Simeu], and I think I’m right in saying they had about 23 appearances between the two of them – that concerned me.

“That’s why I changed the shape and put Jon Mellish alongside them.

“I think the three of them together have been absolutely outstanding. They’ve been really good together. They’ve shown calmness, they’ve defended, shown unbelievable commitment.

“We talk about Morgan and the goal he scored at Oldham but it’s the amount of blocks he’s put in.

“It’s just the ugly defending that he does. He heads it and kicks it, which sounds really basic, but it’s not a bad trait to have.

“In football nowadays you don’t get many defenders who actually like defending, but Morgan does. He doesn’t try to do anything clever.

“I’m delighted for him. I hadn’t realised he’d won that award and I’m chuffed to bits for him, he deserves it.”

READ MORE: Carlisle United's ex-Everton and Sunderland man Morgan Feeney crowned player of the month by fans