West Brom notebook: A squad and welcome headaches developing for James Morrison, as defensive duo make point

A squad game

Most onlookers expected at least a couple of changes after the efforts against Charlton three nights earlier.

But four alterations - with Chris Mepham, Rabby Nzingoula, Harry Whitwell and Aune Heggebo all introduced - was probably more than many would have called.

Morrison has shown already in his brief Baggies tenure as No.1 he does not mind making the big calls.

He will be relieved, too, to have a squad to call upon. His options have been thin on the ground in the opening weeks of the campaign, but he is beginning to develop headaches - those of the good kind, with selection decisions.

To have the likes of Jayson Molumby, Nat Phillips and Felix Horn Myhre, genuine Championship and international experience, to call upon for the final quarter of a tight fixture is a real bonus.

Duo make their case

Defensive duo Mepham and Nolan Galves in particular deserve credit.

Circumstances are different with both. Experienced Wales star Mepham, 28, has endured a curious 13 months at The Hawthorns so far. It has been well below-par given his impressive CV, to the point many felt he could be set for an exit over the summer. Mepham has top-level experience and will be a fair earner at the club - him playing a back-up role was not expected.

But Morrison remains a huge fan of the former Bournemouth defender’s impressive character. As Krystian Bielik was instead sold, Mepham has stepped up.

This was a first league start since February - he did well at Newcastle in the EFL Cup, too - and the performance was one of a classy, seasoned pro. He was influential in place of Phillips towards that first clean sheet.

The same can be said for French right-back Galves.

The summer signing, 23, is improving by the game after initial fears about his defensive duties. He was undone for the decisive moment against Charlton but stayed alert here with defensive nous to add to his clear attacking style.

Molumby whips up a storm

Substitute Molumby got the Smethwick End and the whole of The Hawthorns going in the dying seconds in a way only he can.

It was not for his actions with the ball, per se, but more for the fight and grit without it that rattled riled-up Watford defenders.

The midfielder - handed a breather by Morrison with an eye on Wednesday at Derby - carries a drive, intensity and personality otherwise not present in the Albion squad and he can single-handedly dictate an atmosphere at times.

With Watford players trying to take chunks out of Molumby near the corner flag, the Irishman rose and delivered a passionate series of fist-pumps to the Smethwick End. They carried real feeling. Personality on a football pitch is still great to see.

The fortress Hawthorns

Whisper it - but Albion have not been beaten in front of their home supporters for 10 games.

That spans Morrison’s tenure, both permanent and caretaker. The last away victors at The Hawthorns were title-winning Coventry on February 21. The current head coach has not been beaten in eight matches at the club’s historic home.

Albion are always expectant in front of their own supporters in the Championship.

If this sort of record can continue and the Baggies can find more positive results on the road, you would fancy a position inside the top 10 to be maintained.