West Brom points target remains the same as James Morrison backs players to stay focused

James Morrison insists Albion’s targeted points haul has not shifted following a charge from the EFL - as he backs his squad to remain on track.

The relegation-battling Baggies head to Preston in the Championship on Saturday as focus returns to on-field business after news of a potential sanction for alleged financial breaches this week.

The Deepdale clash kickstarts a run-in of four fixtures from which Albion will likely need at least a handful of points to mathematically secure survival - albeit before possible points deductions are taken into account if found guilty.

Boss Morrison stressed his idea of a desired points target has not changed.

“No, it's still the same,” Morrison said. “We've got the target out of the four games and we need to hit that.

“This week I've seen it. The players are hungry to get that target and ultimately we have to start on Saturday. This doesn't determine the outcome of what we need.

“They (the club) have asked me to concentrate on the team and that’s all I’m going to do.”

Morrison added of his side, who are seven games unbeaten: “I think you can see how strong the group is. I don't see this knocking the group. I won't let it happen.

“We'll keep doing the things that have been getting us into this position. If we keep doing the right things, positive results will come.”

A hearing is set to take place this month to determine whether Albion are guilty of breaching profit and sustainability regulations after a charge from the English Football League.

The Baggies insist they have complied.

The contested figure in the club’s accounts is believed to be £5million interest payments from historical loan dating back to Guochuan Lai’s ownership.

“I think with where we were, there were still going to be hurdles to get over,” Morrison added.

“This one's just one of them. There are people in the club who are working to resolve that and putting plans in place plans.

“I'll leave that to them and we'll keep working on the pitch.”

The head coach, in charge until the end of the season, has backed his side to have a strong end to the season.

Another critical game follows on Tuesday night with the visit of Watford.

Morrison added: “If a sanction comes then it will come later down the line, so we've still got two weeks of just football. I've got a team to pick.

“I've got to focus on the performance, the right performance, things we can get better at, so that's all that's on my mind.

“A target has been there ever since I started this role. So we all know what we're going for.

“Can we win every game? Yes. Two home games, two away. If it needs to go to the last game of the season then it needs to go to the last game of the season.”

The head coach has overseen a seven-match unbeaten run emerge from the doom of apparent relegation.

After three consecutive draws Morrison was keen to inspire with memories of Albion’s last win.

He said: “I keep referring back to Bristol City, the scenes afterwards there. They're the celebrations we want.

“It’s what the lads deserve. It was only maybe six weeks ago, two months ago, that it was a lot different.

“The lads should be pushing for that, those feelings and how proud they can be of the togetherness, the fans singing afterwards, that’s what we want.”