James Morrison delivers 'critical' aim before next week's break in West Brom survival plight

Promotion-hunting Hull City are at The Hawthorns on Saturday before next weekend takes the Baggies to mid-table Bristol City struggling for form with just one win in seven in all competitions.

Morrison's side began this weekend second-bottom but just a point adrift of safety with nine games left. 

"Ultimately, we've got to pick a victory up before the international break," said Morrison.

"It's critical to our survival hopes and to kickstart (a final push).

"We've had positive results in the draws and picked up points but now the next step of getting a win, which I think will be massive and then we can keep the ball rolling.

"That's what I've been after. Let's keep the momentum in this and that's what we're hoping for."

Morrison, previously first-team coach before the club recently made his third caretaker spell permanent until the end of the season, has been pleased with performance levels in the draws against Sheffield United and Southampton this week.

But wins for rivals Leicester and Oxford have taken them above the Baggies. Though Blackburn and Portsmouth are both winless in four just outside the relegation places.

Morrison added of the fluctuating picture: "I've said that - there will be ups and downs in the season but we've just got to focus on us and keep doing what we're doing.

"We've got two games and then we've got a break and then we've got seven to go after that. Focus on the next two now and then rest and go again full throttle."

Albion shipped a fifth stoppage-time goal of the season against Southampton with the ball in the hosts' control prior to the Saints' leveller through Cyle Larin.

Morrison had been forced into changes beforehand due to tired bodies and urged replacements in Albion's squad to do better to affect the contest when introduced.

"Yes it's the late goals but as well it's when we make changes it's got to be them coming on and changing the outcome of the game," the head coach added.

"If that's coming on when defending a lead, then defend it well. Or if we need a goal, then it's making chances and getting the opposition away from our goal, or putting the game to bed by scoring that extra goal."