West Brom notebook: James Morrison delivers on squad vow in challenge for months ahead

Big calls

It was no surprise Morrison - so insistent in the trust in his squad - shuffled his pack again in the wake of the exhausting effort at Derby a few nights earlier. The head coach also made it clear he had Sunday’s Black Country derby in his mind.

Morrison changed half his outfield players, which in itself was no shock, but more eye-catching were some of the key individuals omitted.

To leave out Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Ousmane Diakite, two of the season’s top performers so far, was brave. Captain George Campbell also dropped to the bench. These were all while contending with a right-back crisis, which was solved commendably by the outstanding Callum Styles.

Morrison has more than earned the trust to make such calls. There would be questions if the result went the wrong way against a handy QPR side, albeit visitors with five changes of their own due to a demanding schedule.

Top scorer Morgan seemed to feel some discomfort at the end of Derby, which further explains his breather. Diakite has almost played every minute so far and has become indispensable. Debutant Toby Collyer did well with his chance and showed good signs with and without the ball to leave Morrison encouraged.

Styles excelled and has been at a high level for a long time now. His quality ensured a deserved point. Conor Townsend, in the last two games alone, has proven his free summer return looks a shrewd and sensible move.

Albion are light in some areas but the Championship demands a squad. Try to do otherwise and players will become injured or burned out. This was a largely encouraging example that back-ups can deputise.

Heggebo still feeling it

One clear area the squad is light is up front and it is clear why a striker was sought through the summer and prior to the recent deadline.

Aune Heggebo, for all of his match-winning heroics at Pride Park, has not been right since his suspension. He is still below 100 per cent after feeling the effects of a bad mystery illness.

We watched him toil in a solo role last season but, what has been proven already this season is both he and Morgan are much better for playing together.

The Norwegian was a yard off it against the Rs and squandered his big chance. Albion need him back to his fittest, and quickly, to continue as a foil for Morgan. The imminent international break may serve him well.

The club’s other striker Barney Stewart is yet to make his impact felt. He has been reduced to cameo roles and they can be tough, but the Scot, 22, seems unable to make his presence felt when given brief chances. The hope has to remain he can adjust to the level, but it is tough.

Max makes point

It was hard not to be delighted for Max O’Leary after his influential role to help Albion claim the point.

The Republic of Ireland international made two good second half saves - one in particular was excellent - to keep out the visitors when they ventured forward.

It extends his fine start to the new season.

There was no shortage of discourse when he penned a long-term deal for a role as Albion No.1 this season.

There were lots of supporters left unsure and some even calling for another to be Morrison’s first choice.

But O’Leary has repeated his fine form from the spring so far this term and underlined he is capable of playing a key role this season.