JAMES Morrison feels he has something to prove to the team-mates who joined Albion while he was sidelined by ten-month heel injury lay-off.

The 23-year-old midfielder admits he has been surprised how high his fitness levels are after just two first-team run-outs totalling 81 minutes.

But, although he is eager to make a contribution to the second-placed Baggies' promotion campaign, he is reining himself in - and insists tomorrow's trip to QPR (ko 3pm) is too soon for him to earn a starting place.

He said: "A lot of the players asked who I was when I came back!

"A lot of the new players haven't seen me play so I feel like I've got something to prove.

"From having a decent season last year I wanted to progress.

"To be honest I was quite surprised with my fitness when I came back.

"I've been running for quite a while now.

"I think I'm just being sensible really and doing the right things.

"I don't want to run around like a headless chicken.

"I'm just managing my game better.

"Once I'm back up to speed I'll start sprinting about like my normal self.

"I want to make a contribution this season as well.

"I don't just want to get onto the pitch to get a cheer from the fans.

"I want to do something.

"On Saturday I set up the last goal and feel I played a part in all the goals.

"I was pleased to do something.

"I'd like to start but I've only been back a week.

"I have to be sensible and appreciate I may need to come on when I can.

"In a few weeks I'd like to start - but it won't be easy."

Morrison's last trip to Loftus Road was a momentous day when he lifted the Coca-Coca Championship trophy with Albion.

But he claims those thoughts will be far from his mind come kick-off against a 20th-placed Hoops team under the charge of new boss Neil Warnock for the first time.

"Last time there was good but that's in the past," he added.

"We need to look to the future.

"The team's changed so not many will have experienced that.

"We didn't need QPR bringing Neil Warnock in - we could have done with it next week.

"It'll be a tight game, fast and furious.

"You get no time on the ball and Warnock is always on the sidelines shouting.

"We need to put that to the back of our heads.

"They've been struggling and we need to make it nervous for them - but it'll be a tough game.

"Overall, I think we're looking okay.

"We've got a game in hand which could be crucial and our goal difference is quite good too.

"That's worth an extra point really.

"We have to look at every game and make it like a cup final because the rewards at the end are massive."

Morrison watched Baggies team-mate Graham Dorrans star for Scotland in their 1-0 friendly win over Czech Republic on Wednesday night.

And once he has re-established himself in the Albion XI he is eager to break back onto the international scene by impressing new Tartan Army boss Craig Levein.

"We weren't the best in the first half but a win's a win," he said.

"It's something we can build on and we play the Czechs in the Euro qualifiers so it was a little step to where we want to be.

"I spoke to George Burley quite a few times while I was out but I haven't spoken to Craig Levein yet.

"I'll have to work hard to get into the Scotland squad, which I'm sure I can."

He quipped: "Dozza played well on Wednesday and seems to be flying at the moment - I think they need to drug test him!

"We knew he had talent when he came to the club. Now we're seeing it.

"He worked hard in pre-season, he's got confidence, is growing in experience and obviously has ability.

"Me and him could be a good partnership.

"But first and foremost I need to be playing regularly."