Albion midfielder to finalise future when season ends
JAMES Morrison is eyeing a return to first-team action over the final two games of the season following a frustrating second half of the season.
The Albion playmaker is now fully recovered from the ruptured hamstring, suffered at Chelsea on January 13.
But a 45-minute run-out with the Under 21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby last week has confirmed his recovery – and now the Scottish international is chasing game-time.
"I played last Tuesday for the U21s at Derby and I came through well and felt good," said Morrison.
"It’s been a really frustrating spell for me because I didn’t imagine it would take this long to get back.
"But I was desperate to play I had a little setback early on. So I’ve taken things very carefully since then to make sure I was 100 per cent recovered.
"I’m there now but of course it’s all about match fitness and the only place you can get that is out on the pitch.
"You can take nothing for granted because you’ve not only got the established players doing well but now we’ve got some talented youngsters just as keen to play.
"I feel like I’ve got a lot of football in me but there are only a couple of games remaining. I just want to get back on the pitch."
One of Albion’s most popular and longest-serving players – and potentially the next to follow Christ Brunt into the 300 Club – supporters are anxiously awaiting the outcome of talks over a new contract with the Scottish international.
He said: "I’ve mainly been focused on getting fit again. Talks have been on-going but we can sit down at the end of the season and iron it out."