James Morrison: West Brom debutant will make team-mates 'look over shoulders'
The £3million summer signing from Manchester United made a positive impression in the eyes of his boss on his ‘second’ debut at the club.
Impressed boss James Morrison reckons Toby Collyer’s Albion debut will leave team-mates ‘looking over their shoulders’.
Collyer was handed his first minutes since joining the Baggies on a permanent basis last month in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against QPR at The Hawthorns.
The £3million signing from Manchester United caught the eye from the off in a much-changed Albion side who were held by the London visitors. Collyer is expected to become an influential figure in Morrison’s midfield and the head coach feels the new addition grasped his chance.
"I thought he was excellent really, considering he hasn't played for three or four weeks,” Morrison said. "It was always going to be the case of 65 or 70 minutes but I thought he grew into the game and showed his qualities.
"It was 'welcome to the Championship' with a bloody nose in the first couple of minutes and a bang to the knee.
"But I liked how he ran forward sometimes as well, linked the play, made tackles, I thought he was really good.”
Collyer started in place of Ousmane Diakite, with the influential Malian one of several Baggies big-hitters given a breather against the Rs after a punishing schedule.
Morrison’s men dominated for large spells but fell behind against the run of play, but Callum Styles fired a fine equaliser.
”Now there is competition,” Morrison said. "That performance on Saturday will probably have people looking over their shoulders.
"But it's a squad game and I'm the type of guy who if I see the qualities in someone else that are suited for a game then they will play.
"It is the same in a few positions I've got now. It's finding the best way for the opposition and way to win.”
Morrison added of the former Old Trafford and Brighton youngster: "Yes (lots to come), it's still really early - he's got to try to find a rhythm. I generally believe he will be a really good player for this football club. I've seen it.
"He's probably not trained as much because of the games programme so I had to be careful with him really, with his past history."But I'll be excited when he gets fully fit and up to speed, he'll be a really good asset."
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.