James Morrison pinpoints crucial week for West Brom
James Morrison believes West Bromwich Albion are facing "the most important week of the season" in their battle to secure Premier League survival.
The Scottish international made his comeback from a hamstring injury as a substitute in Albion's midweek mauling by Manchester United at The Hawthorns.
But now bottom-placed Albion face crucial games at out-of-form Hull and struggling Newcastle during the next eight days which will go a long way to determining their fate.
Midfielder Morrison said: "With the manner of the defeat against United, it's hard to put it out of your mind but we've got to try and do that because, from our point of view, we've got a bigger game on Saturday. "I think all the players are looking forward to putting on a performance and getting a result.
"It is a good time to play Hull but we've got to be wary of them because they will be fighting for every ball. We will have to do that as well because we're in bigger trouble than them.
"We would happily be in their position now. But beating our rivals is one of the main things we have to do to get out of this situation - which is why Hull is such a massive game.
"We didn't win in 10 games at one stage this season and it felt horrible so I know what they're going through at the moment.
"It's a tough period when you get into these runs although they've got a good manager in Phil Brown who rallies players. But it's one we can win. Last season we went there and did that and we're looking to do the same again.
"We've then got Newcastle and this week is the most important in our season, because if we can win these two games, it will put us right up the table."
Morrison has been one of Albion's most consistent performers this season and the former Middlesbrough player insists he is happy at the club who rejected a bid from Bolton for him earlier in the transfer window.
He said: "I am really happy here. I have been playing well all season and I love it here and I love the area. I am flattered by the interest in me but I am happy to stay here.
"I'm just glad to be fit again. I've never had a hamstring injury before and I felt like I had been shot. But the scans didn't show up as badly as I thought and three weeks out isn't too bad. Touch wood, it is all clear from now on and I can do what I want to do."
Morrison believes common sense has prevailed with the Football Association rescinding the red card handed out to defender and acting skipper Paul Robinson for his challenge on Manchester United defender Ji-Sung Park.
He said: "It was the correct decision to overturn it. I saw it afterwards and I can understand why the referee (Rob Styles) made the decision from his angle.
"But we're delighted to get Paul back because he is a big player for us. He is like our second captain to Jonathan Greening and he is a big player.
"He is our captain at the moment and he gets us going. When something needs to be said he will say it. He likes a tackle and he puts his foot in and that drives us on sometimes. Hopefully he can set the tone on Saturday.
"The fans love a tackle. You don't want to get carried away with everyone tackling people stupidly but the correct decision was made."
West Brom have all six centre-halves less than 100% fit ahead of the trip to the KC Stadium. Baggies boss Tony Mowbray is likely to have to play Pele and Ryan Donk even though they are both suffering from groin problems.
Jonas Olsson, Leon Barnett, Abdoulaye Meite and long-term casualty Neil Clement are all unavailable.
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