James Morrison ready to bide his time for West Bromwich Albion
JAMES Morrison admits he may need to play a waiting game as he slowly builds up his fitness.
Chris Lepkowski
The Albion midfielder is desperate to be considered for a starting berth in tomorrow's game against QPR but is realistic enough to know he might have to bide his time on the bench.
Morrison has come on in two first-team games and one reserve match since recovering from his heel injury.
He feels he is improving but accepts he is still some way from being at the level of fitness that will allow him to complete 90 minutes.
"I'd like to start but, being sensible, I've only been back at week," said the Scotland international.
"I've had three games, a week's training.
"I have to be sensible and appreciate I may need to come on when I can.
"I think I'm just being sensible really and doing the right things.
''I don't want to run around like a headless chicken.
"I'm just managing my game better. Once I'm back up to speed I'll start sprinting about like my normal self.
"I want to make contribution this season as well.
"I don't just want to get on to the pitch to get a cheer.
"I want to do something. On Saturday I set up the last goal and feel I played a part in all of them.
"A lot of the players asked who I was when I came back.
"A lot of the new players haven't seen me play so I feel like I've got something to prove. From having a decent season last year I wanted to progress and maybe now finally I can do so."
Morrison's injury had a marked effect on the ex-Middlesbrough man.
He became fed up with the number of setbacks he suffered.
"To suffer a freakish injury does test you and I was down in the dumps for most of it," he added.
"But credit to the physios They tried to keep me upbeat and I feel stronger after coming through it. It's made me more appreciative of what I've got really.
"This has given me a kick up the backside because I missed it like mad.
"In many respects maybe it's a blessing in disguise.
"I try and take the positives out of it and, as I said, this has probably made me stronger."
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