'Point to prove' - West Brom can be confident about attacker's return

Winger Johnston has not featured for more than a cameo since the end of February, where he broke his ankle in Morrison’s first game in caretaker charge.

The Republic of Ireland international built up his fitness during pre-season and featured in friendlies, as well as a substitute cameo in the EFL Cup curtain-raiser at Rotherham.

But he endured a setback with the ankle thereafter and has now been sidelined for the foreseeable future. His further absence came as a significant blow to Morrison, who believes Johnston will return with the bit between his teeth.

"He's been at this club for a number of years and he's an important player,” Morrison told the Express & Star.

"From my point of view it's the games where we could've had him really. I think he'd have been perfect for coming on against Charlton and QPR.

"Whatever has gone on in the past we want to get him back as quickly as we can and see him exciting on the wing.

"I certainly look at those games and thought of Mikey Johnston straight away.”

Albion were frustrated at home to Charlton earlier month as the Addicks netted an equaliser in their only attack of the game. Fellow Londoners QPR also claimed a 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns.

Johnston, 27, has among the Championship top goal creators last season prior to his serious injury.

Morrison had plotted a possible change in role for the former Celtic man, with an eye on moving him centrally in a support striker role, as opposed to a wide player.

"Yes, I think he'll agree with that (he can return to his best),” Morrison added. “He'll probably come back with a point to prove.

"That's what I like, players with points to prove.”