And midfielder issues warning to team-mates
JAMES Morrison was delighted to get on the scoresheet again with the opener in Saturday’s 3-2 win over QPR after a series of near misses in recent weeks.It was the Baggies midfielder’s first Hawthorns goal of the season as he added to his dramatic late equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Tottenham in the second game of the campaign.
Morrison also proved to be instrumental in recording a fourth straight home win to ensure Albion head into the international break sitting pretty with 14 points from seven games and in sixth place in the Barclays Premier League.
“I have been unlucky in recent weeks. Keepers have made some good saves, so I’ve just kept going and it was a great ball by Shane Long,” he said.
“I couldn’t miss really, but it was another header so I’m pleased.
“With an international break coming up it’s always good to get three points.
“We didn’t play well in the second half but we’re glad we got the three points.
“It might have looked easy at times but on the pitch QPR caused us a few problems.
“They’ve got some dangerous players who we were aware of and we just stepped off the gas in the second half.
“They stepped up their game and caused us problems. They’ve got quality in their side so it was down to that.
“At the start of the season we wanted to make this a tough place to come, and improve on our home form.
“Last season our away form was tremendous really and our home form was a bit iffy.
“That’s what we wanted to do - and we’re doing it.
“All the hard work is paying off.”
But Morrison has urged his team-mates not to get carried away, especially with champions Manchester City next up at home on Saturday week (ko 3pm).
And the Scotland international highlighted the example of Hull City, who in the 2008/09 top-flight season were joint-top after eight games – but ended up escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth on the final day.
“We’re not really changing our ambitions with the size of the club we are,” he added.
“Everyone has spent money and it’s a tough league.
“We want to hit that 40-point mark and then look to progress.
“There is still a long way to go.
“Going back a few years, Hull started really well and nearly got relegated, so we’ve just got to keep on doing what we’re doing and keep winning.
“Man City is another tough game.
“I remember last season we defended like lions against them and after that game it killed us for a bit.
“We couldn’t win after that because it took a lot out of us.
“We’re going to have to do the same again and be smart against them.”