James Morrison raring to start over at West Brom

The 32-year-old, who has signed a new one-year deal with the Baggies, is this weekend set for his first competitive game in blue and white for more than 10 months.

And after being forced to watch the car crash of last season from the treatment table, he’s desperate to make an impression on the fans and repay boss Darren Moore for having faith in him.

“I feel I’ve got a point to prove,” said Morrison. “I feel like I’m starting out again really, going back 10 or 11 years ago.

“I feel I’m trying to work myself into the team with players breathing down my neck. That’s what I want really, a bit of a test.”

According to Moore, Morrison was a huge miss last season, and Albion’s head coach described the midfielder’s return to action and subsequent fresh contract like ‘a new signing’.

Morrison admitted it was painful watching last season unfold and being unable to help.

“God, I could sit here for an hour and tell you about what went on (last season) but we haven’t got time,” he said. “It was a tough time and not being able to affect it was hard.

“The toughest time as a footballer is being injured, the second is seeing your team suffer and not being able to help. I’ve enjoyed being part of the group again.”

During those darkest days trying to recover from his Achilles injury, it was Moore who gave Morrison belief that there was still a future in football and a future at the Baggies.

“We spoke quite a bit before he got the job and even before he was caretaker,” said Morrison. “He could see I was struggling a bit, I was in trying everything and working as hard as I possibly could but he just said keep going.

“We came up with a bit of plan to come back in pre-season, that seems to have worked. It helps when the manager believes in you.

“From the start me and Darren spoke about what was going to happen, how I was, and the process needed to do the training and play the games.

“I had to give something back, and I was happy to do that and be a part of it. Darren’s been a big part (of my recovery), he knows what it takes and he knows what I can do.

“He’s one of the reasons why I wanted to stay, he showed the interest and showed that he wanted me to be here.”

But Moore couldn’t guarantee Morrison a new contract until he proved his fitness, and therefore, so much hinged on pre-season.

Thankfully, the midfielder impressed, and scored an eye-catching goal in the 3-2 win over Barnsley.

“At first I was thinking bloody hell, what’s this,” admitted Morrison. “But you pick it up, players around you help you and being here for so long helps, I fit in straight away, know what the lads are about and how they play.

“The game at Swindon and the game at Barnsley was night and day. That feeling of scoring again made me realise this is what I want.

“That goal always helps. I remember when I came back from injury two years ago and scored at Leicester, it was a weight off my shoulders.

“I still feel there’s a lot of hard work to do, there’s lots of my game to come back.”

Whenever Moore is asked about Morrison, he speaks in glowing terms for the long-serving midfielder, and the Scotland international is a key part of his plans this season.

“A fully fit James Morrison is a fantastic player,” said Moore. “An intelligent player who understands the division, understands the team dynamics and can apply the things you want to do onto the pitch.

“He’s experienced too so he brings the team a lot in terms of where we want to go this season. To have him back fit is a wonderful bonus and a wonderful addition to the team.

"James knows what we think of him as a football club and he has a lot of affection for the club.

“We’re pleased to see him fit again, he’s worked hard over summer and in pre-season.

"He’s played a lot of games and every week that passes we see Mozza as we know him, coming back to where he should be.

“He was missed immensely last season and we’re pleased to have him back fit now. Mozza’s like a new signing, he really is.”