The Great Britain star is being put through his paces at Phil Prout's boxing gym in York Road as he bids to get in perfect shape for the rough and tumble of the coming English Premier League season.

So far Morgan and his team-mates have begun their campaign well, but since the birth of his first child three weeks ago, the 26 year-old has started to feel the strain.

So to rediscover the sharpness needed to maintain his reputation as one of the best British defencemen in the game, Morgan has been bashing the bag with the best of them.

He said: "My daughter Tahli was born three weeks ago and she is absolutely gorgeous and amazing. But obviously like any new family me and my girlfriend Natasha have been having all the late nights and everything which I wouldn't change for all the world because it is a wonderful experience.

"But it has left me feeling a little bit short of sharpness at this stage of the season. That is not to say that I am not fit but I felt I had maybe lost that little edge that gives me something extra in the really big games.

"So I got in contact with Phil and he has agreed to work with me down at his gym on various elements used in boxing which will really improve my sharpness.

"Ice hockey is such a fast, hard game and I am already feeling the benefits of the work I have been doing with Phil."

But despite his past reputation as something of a hard man, Morgan is anxious to dispel any thoughts that he may be planning a return to his days as a bit of a brawler.

"I am doing this boxing work for my fitness and sharpness as it is about the best thing you can do, it is not about fighting on the ice. At the end of the day spending matches sat in the sin bin doesn't help the team as I am more help when I am on the ice.

"Of course I won't be pushed around but I leave it to others these days to drop the gloves and settle scores.

"Hopefully all my hard work with Phil will pay off and I can play a big part in another successful season down at Bretton."