Midfielder discusses Everton game and how he sees challenge ahead
JAMES Morrison expects Romelu Lukaku to receive a warm welcome from the Albion fans – as he aims to make people sit up and take notice by landing high-flying Everton’s scalp tonight (ko 8pm).
Lukaku returns to The Hawthorns for the first time since completing a successful loan spell with the Baggies last term in which he fired 17 Barclays Premier League goals.
The Chelsea hotshot opted for another loan switch to the Toffees in the summer and remains on the goal trail, with nine top-flight strikes in a sixth-place team that has only lost twice all season.
“Rom’s playing in a team that are flying at the moment,” said Morrison.
“He’s always going to score.
“He got 17 goals for us – I think that’s what we’re missing really.
“That’s the difference in the league – if you’ve got a goalscorer it pushes you right up the table.
“Rom’s a young lad – even though he looks 35!
“He’s got a lot to offer in the game and I’m sure he’ll go right to the top.
“The crowd have always been great to players who have come back to The Hawthorns.
“Robert Koren was the last one and he got a great reception.
“I can imagine Rom’s is going to be pretty big.”
The Toffees’ only defeat on the road this term came at title-challenging Manchester City in October.
While they are pushing strongly for Champions League qualification, the 14th-placed Baggies, who are just three points off tenth spot, are looking to steer clear of the bottom three.
And Morrison is expecting a tough encounter – but one he suspects will entertain the masses live on Monday Night Football.
“Everton have only lost two, they’ve made some great signings and have some experienced players who have done really well and got some good results,” he added.
“It’s another tough game and a big scalp like that will be massive for our confidence.
“It’s two footballing managers up against each other so hopefully it will be a great game for Monday Night Football and one for the fans to cheer about.
“We’re only three points off tenth.
“I think there are 11 teams who are in a relegation battle – it’s just down to who comes out on top at the end of the day.
“Experience is the key; we’ve got players who have played together for a long time and been in a relegation fight, so know what it’s about.
“A result against Everton will make people take notice and give us that confidence we need for the rest of the season.”