ROY Hodgson believes James Morrison has evolved into a complete midfielder during his time at Albion.

The Scotland international was never given an extended run in the centre of the park by former managers Tony Mowbray or Robbie Di Matteo.

They generally restricted him to wide positions.

But Hodgson has put his faith in Morrison, feeling he has more to offer in that more prominent role.

“That’s his best position,” said Hodgson. “He’s not a wide player.

“He’s a central midfield player and he’s like a lot of central midfield players, who are mobile and technically gifted so they can play wide.

“He plays there for Scotland and I’ve been happy for him to play in that position.

“I think he’s a hard worker and has worked very hard on the defensive side of his game.

“I’ve been quite impressed, for a technically gifted player, with a reputation as a ball player, passer and goalscorer, he has worked very hard on the defensive side of his game to become an all-rounder.

“No doubt if you ask him or Graham Dorrans where they prefer to play they would say in the centre because that’s where they’ve grown up playing.

“But they have also learnt, luckily for their team and manager, to play in another position, which gives an extra string to their bow as well.

“It gives them a bit more of a chance of getting into the team every week.