Morrison believes stability is key to West Brom success

Midfield star James Morrison today hailed West Brom's long-term planning as the key to their Premier League success.

The Scotland international believes continuity has helped the Baggies climb the table and paid tribute to the club for keeping their key players.

Defender Jonas Olsson signed a new four-year deal on Friday just a month after Morrison penned a similar agreement.

And the pair helped the Baggies win again at The Hawthorns on Saturday with their 3-2 success against QPR keeping them in the top six.

"A few of our players have played together for a long time now," said Morrison.

"QPR have signed a lot of players and it takes time to mould a team.

"We have been building this for a few years now with the players that we signed at an early age. I came when I was 20 and we've played together now for a long time so we're gelling nicely and we've got a good group of players."

Olsson added: "I can see the club going in the right direction long term.

"That is quite rare and quite unique in football today and the reason why we are doing well now is because we have kept our key players over the last three or four seasons.

"Our performances this year are a product of that.

"Tying James up, as well as Peter Odemwingie, Chris Brunt, Ben Foster and all those class players made my decision easier and hopefully with me committing myself, it can make it easier for players in the future in the same situation."

And boss Steve Clarke today revealed how he pushed for both players to be handed new long-term deals.

"I think Jonas has done what he should have done," said Clarke.

"He's seen a new manager come in, and decided to have a look how pre-season goes, see how our relationship is and how the team starts and he's decided now this is where he wants to be.

"He's a competitor and he has a good voice in the dressing room. He speaks a lot of sense and the players respect him.

"The club asked me what I thought and 'should we offer them new deals' and the answer from me was easy: 'yes, of course'."