Albion midfielder James Morrison is ready to stake his claim for a central role during Robert Koren’s pre-season injury lay-off.

The ex-Middlesbrough man lined up at the heart of midfield against Shrewsbury last night. His performance alongside Kim Do-Heon was one of the highlights of a disappointing 2-2 draw.

Morrison, who has often operated out wide for the Baggies, is keen to press his claims for a permanent berth in the centre.

He said: “I would like to think there’s a chance for me. Maybe, but I’ll have to wait and see because players may come in.

“All I can do is maintain my form, keep myself in the gaffer’s thought. The game was about fitness but obviously we wanted a win.”

Morrison’s form has been one of the highlights of Albion’s pre-season so far and the Scotland international feels sharp, despite a gruelling training regime.

He said: “This pre-season has been hard. I feel good for it but it’s been difficult. We were training yesterday, which was a tough session.

“The gaffer is trying to build us up physically. Maybe it’ll be a good decision, maybe not, we’ll have to wait and see. It’s a case of getting through it.

“My fitness feels good. Mentally it’s about getting there, but physically it feels tough.”

Morrison was on the scoresheet last night, along with Kim, with both players scoring stunning long-range efforts.