Bristol City recently rewarded young central midfielder James Morton with a four-year deal, a sign that City are determined to keep the 20-year-old around at Ashton Gate for longer.

Morton has appeared ten times for Forest Green Rovers so far this season while on a season-long loan from Bristol City in his first experience of league football, and has impressed Mark Cooper and his coaching staff as he has become a regular in the League Two's side and has already chalked up three assists as well as being awarded Man of the Match three times.

Here, we list three reasons why Morton is a player that Bristol City fans should be keeping an eye on over the next couple of years...

Range of passing

Morton's able to pass the ball over short and long distances, and he isn't scared to switch the play in an attempt to get FGR into crossing or goalscoring positions.

Morton can put impressive backspin on a pass to help hold the ball up as he spreads the play and helps prevent it from spinning away from his intended target on the various pitches in League Two, and Morton dictates the play well.

Ability to use both feet

In a video posted to Bristol City loan manager Brian Tinnion's Twitter page, the clips used show that Morton is capable of using both feet when he gets on the ball, but is predominantly left footed.

The long-term successor to Marlon Pack

City have never really replaced former skipper Pack, who departed for Cardiff City in the summer, but Morton could develop into the Pack role.

Morton works as a No.8 alongside a more defensive minded midfielder, and he is allowed to dictate the tempo and his team-mates are always on the move as soon as Morton gets on the ball, anticipating being found by the young midfielder.

If the young Morton can work on the defensive side to his game and learn the ugly side, then he'll be the perfect successor to Pack, with his distribution and vision equal if not better than Pack.

Once the 2019-2020 season is up, then Morton could head back to Ashton Gate and join one of the Championship's best midfields, slotting in alongside the likes of Han-Noah Massengo, Josh Brownhill, Adam Nagy, Kasey Palmer and Tommy Rowe.

The future is definitely bright where Morton's concerned, and his new contract is a sign that City have a long-term plan for him.