Morrison losing fitness race

James Morrison: West Brom midfielder pulled his hamstring against Blackburn

James Morrison does not expect to be fit for West Brom's trip to Newcastle on Wednesday after sustaining a pulled hamstring.

The midfielder scored a superb volley in Roy Hodgson's side's 2-1 win at Blackburn at the weekend, but he had to be substituted before the end.

Morrison now doubts he will be available for the midweek match at St James' Park and the 25-year-old is annoyed at the timing of the injury ahead of the busy festive fixture-list.

"I probably won't make the Newcastle game as hamstrings can be difficult, but hopefully, touch wood, it will be OK," he said.

"I felt it go straight away and it's disappointing as I feel like I've been in good form."

Difficult

Victory at Blackburn allowed West Brom to bounce back after the previous disappointment of losing to Wigan.

And Morrison knows it is important to maintain momentum against Newcastle in what is the start of a difficult schedule for Hodgson's club.

After their game on Tyneside, West Brom host Manchester City on Boxing Day, welcome Everton on New Year's Day and then travel to Tottenham two days later.

"The Christmas period sets you up for the season, but it's a period we're looking forward to and hopefully we will pick up more points before the New Year," said Morrison.

"We did play well last week (against Wigan), but couldn't get the chances. It's a funny old game, football, and here we score in the last minute and last week is forgotten."