'Frustrating' - James Morrison's West Brom update on Mikey Johnston, Aune Heggebo and Tammer Bany

James Morrison admitted the delay to Albion star Mikey Johnston’s ankle diagnoses is a frustration for all involved.

Johnston’s competitive action since February has been limited to a cameo at Rotherham on the opening day, after which he has been sidelined due to a “flare up” while on his way back from a long-term absence.

The winger fractured his ankle at Oxford at the end of February in Morrison’s first game in temporary charge.

He made progress during pre-season and featured in some friendlies before the EFL Cup appearance at Rotherham, but has not been involved since.

“We’re just waiting on Mikey, which I know is frustrating, everyone wants answers, but it’s just taking a little bit of time, so we’ll give you the answers when we have them,” Morrison said on Friday morning.

“He’s just with the consultant, trying to get to the bottom of it. He just had a little bit of a flare up, we’ll continue to be patient.

“It would be nice to have him because the other night (against Charlton) he’d be perfect for the game.”

Republic of Ireland international Johnston will once again be sidelined as Watford visit The Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts are looking to return to winning ways after the frustrating 1-1 midweek draw against the Addicks. The Baggies are now three without a win - two in the Championship - and are yet to keep a clean sheet in six this term.

But the mood remains upbeat in the camp after a bright start to the campaign and the head coach believes his adjusting new-look side are ahead of schedule.

Albion could be boosted by the return of striker Aune Heggebo to starting contention after a bout of illness during and following his two-match handball suspension.

Heggebo returned to availability last weekend but was a substitute against both Middlesbrough and Charlton after feeling under the weather.

Morrison hopes the Norwegian is feeling closer to 100 per cent and said he is in contention to start, adding: “He’s gradually getting back to where he was.

“The illness went over for a long period of time, on and off, we were trying to get to the bottom of it, but he looks better now.

“You could see on Wednesday, we missed that threat in the box, something to play off. We still did well with Felix (Horn Myhre) playing different ways, that’s important for the squad. It’s nice to have that threat in the box.

“I think he’s over that now.”

The head coach confirmed that attacker Tammer Bany will be involved for Albion’s under-21s on Friday night in a Premier League Cup clash away to Coventry.

He will feature for Leigh Downing’s youngsters in a bid for some important minutes following yet more injury frustration over the season. Bany is fully fit and has been part of recent matchday squads but only featured with a cameo in the changed side at Newcastle.

Morrison said: “Tammer Bany is going to play for the under-21s, just to continue his plan and keep him progressing.”