OPINION
West Brom might have let themselves be pegged back by Blackburn Rovers in their draw on Saturday, but there were still a number of reasons for the fans to celebrate.
Craig Dawson’s goal from Matt Phillips’ corner in the first half was cancelled out by Harrison Reed’s second half effort but it was another experienced head – who the Baggies have seen so much of during his time at the club – who was the real game changer.
James Morrison stepped into the starting XI for his second Championship start of the season after making his return from a lengthy absence in midweek, and his presence on the pitch made it perfectly clear why the 32-year-old has over 300 appearances for the club.
His control in the centre of the pitch, using his passing and vision to dictate the tempo of the game, was crucial against a dogged Blackburn side, and despite his age it appears he has more than enough to keep up with the blistering pace of the Championship – which is why they are at risk of losing him.
The veteran is out of contract in the summer (Source: Transfermarkt) and as such there will be a number of clubs sniffing around for a bargain in January – not what the Baggies need after he shows his talents against Rovers.
Such performances are only going to raise the amount of interest heading his way and quite simply losing him would be a heavy blow to the club’s hopes of success come the end of the season – and so a new deal tying him down at the Hawthorns is an absolute must.
Some might have thought that he had outgrown his usefulness before Saturday – but he will have reminded everyone why he is a such a long standing servant of the Baggies with his outing on Saturday.