Albion star James Morrison believes new team-mate Youssouf Mulumbu could add the extra midfield steel to keep the Baggies in the Premier League.

Morrison believes Mulumbu could plug the gap in the midfield that has left the team exposed throughout the season.

Manager Tony Mowbray recruited Mulumbu on loan from Paris Saint Germain as a hot prospect for the future, but he has impressed so much in training that he was due to start at Fulham last Sunday.

But he picked up a thigh injury on the eve of the game and was due to sit out today’s trip to Everton.

Morrison said: “We have missed someone like that. Mulumbu has been really good in training, but some players can look a million dollars in training.

“It’s on the pitch where you get judged and we’ll see how he goes, but the signs are promising and he can bring something different to the team.

“His game is to win the ball back, which is something we’ve been missing. He will have to fight for his place and picking up an injury has not helped.

“He’s working hard in the gym and is desperate to play and get up and running. Hopefully he’ll be a surprise package for us. So, the quicker we get him back out there, the better.”