And midfielder prepared for tough Toffees challenge
JAMES Morrison hopes a week without interruptions will lead to an improved performance at Everton on Saturday (ko 3pm).
The Scotsman was one of ten Baggies players on international duty in the days leading up to last weekend’s 1-0 defeat by Southampton at The Hawthorns.
And the 27-year-old midfielder, who admits Steve Clarke’s side were not at their best against the Saints, believes Albion will be better prepared at Goodison Park.
“For us, we need to get last Saturday out of the system, because it wasn't great,” said Morrison.
“Having the internationals go away meant we didn't have much preparation time which didn't help, but we didn't perform well, we know that.
“Probably a draw would have been fair, but we've had a few games that have gone that way over recent years and that's something we need to stamp out.”
David Moyes has been manager of Everton for all 14 of their previous Premier League encounters with Albion.
And Morrison believes the Toffees will remain a challenging proposition under the stewardship of Roberto Martinez.
“All the years I've been playing, David Moyes has been the Everton manager, so it will be different to go there this time,” added Morrison.
“Under Moyes they made a lot of progress, they've been a solid top seven or eight club pretty much right through his time there, he did a fantastic job at the club.
“They have a good balance of experienced players and youngsters, they've got real quality there.
“But it's a new era for them, they have a new manager who will probably bring a new style to them.
“It might take a bit of time for that to settle in, although they had a good result at Norwich at the weekend when Ross Barkley stood out for them.
“It's always hard to go to Goodison Park, we haven't had a great record there in the last few years apart from the 4-1 win.
“It's a hostile crowd, they're always on top of you, and if you don't start right, you find yourself in for a tough afternoon.”