'I can't believe I'm saying this...' West Brom boss' midfielder claim ahead of clash at Wolves

Emotions will be running high in Molineux on Sunday lunchtime as the rivals lock horns for the first time in league action in front of fans since 2012.

Most of those involved, including in the home dugout, have not sampled the fierce rivalry before.

That extends to key Baggies regular Jayson Molumby, the long-serving midfielder known for his passionate, whole-hearted displays. Midfielder Molumby missed the infamous 2024 Wolves FA Cup victory at The Hawthorns through injury and will be pumped-up to be involved against the Molineux men for the first time as an Albion player.

When referenced that the derby ‘feels’ like a match for the Irish workhorse, boss Morrison replied: "Yes - we obviously know how passionate he is when he plays, that's Jayson Molumby.

"He's been at this club long enough to know or feel the excitement around the game and he understands it.

"I think that's the blend of experience in your side, to manage the game and certain situations.”

"I probably can't believe I'm saying this about being calm, with Jayson, really!” Morrison added with a smile. “That's important.

"To have that enthusiasm, excitement, commitment, but having that calmness as well. Calmness of when to pick the right passes or settle it down with the ball, or play forward.”

Molumby has been guilty of some poor dismissals in his time as an Albion player. The 27-year-old, who is the club’s longest serving squad member, was linked with moves away this summer but Morrison stressed the Irishman’s importance regardless of previous ill-discipline.

Derbies often carry the side-story of tempers boiling over, and the Baggies boss admitted he will remind all of his troops to strike the right balance.

Morrison said: "It's probably a message to the team, of showing that right balance of aggression and commitment.

"I go back to the games leading into this. I feel that's been there. I think we try to pride ourselves on being committed and not letting the opposition have an easy game.

"Being in their faces, winning tackles, that for me is number one. Everything else is secondary."

The anticipation is high among both sets of supporters, but Morrison is trying to remain cool.

"I don't know whether you get excited as a manager!” He said. “You do get those nerves, healthy nerves, of excitement of the outcome and game.

"I'll be trying to control myself."

Morrison has been reminded this week - if required - of the last league Black Country derby in front of fans - an historic Peter Odemwingie hat-trick-inspired 5-1 Baggies win.

The head coach set up two and had a hand in other goals that day in a starring role. A famous image of the Scot saluting the Molineux home faithful did the rounds online this week.

Asked of memories, Morrison smiled: “How good I was that day!

“I still get shown the picture. It was just a spur of the moment of me getting abused by their supporters and us scoring.

“We were down the bottom and that game kickstarted our season. We were great and dominant, but there were still moments when they hit the crossbar. Peter was that special player - to score three in a game like that is still remembered to this day.”