West Brom v Blackburn: Tony Mowbray salutes James Morrison ahead of Hawthorns return

Tony Mowbray has saluted the “wonderful job” being done by James Morrison at Albion as he prepares to make another Hawthorns return.

Mowbray is back at the Baggies with Blackburn on Saturday for the first time since his second spell as boss ended in the sack 18 months ago.

The 62-year-old, who guided Albion to the Championship title during his first spell in charge, continues to be held in high affection by supporters despite the brief nature of his second tenure.

With Morrison in the home dugout, his legacy is still being felt. Mowbray signed the former midfielder from Middlesbrough in 2007 and has acted as an occasional mentor to the current Baggies head coach.

"James, I would consider a friend, I've known him a long, long time,” said Mowbray.

“Hopefully he has a long career if that's what he wants to do.

“I like him a lot as a guy, he's a very humble young man but obviously doing something well, he's got good staff around him.

“They are having a great season, and James is doing a wonderful job there with the group.

“This season, they've invested some money, and they're doing pretty well. So, it's a tough game for us."

Blackburn arrive having taken 10 points from their last four matches, with the chance to leapfrog the hosts with a victory.

"To get back-to-back wins in a three game week is really encouraging for us,” said Mowbray, who has seen his team beat Cardiff and Bristol City since the international break.

“We will go to West Brom with the mentality that we can go and express ourselves and be positive and aggressive, and hopefully get the win.

“We will go and be positive and aggressive, knowing we're playing against a good team, but hopefully we'll throw just as many punches as they do and, who knows?

“It'll be a tight affair, I think, and hopefully we can come out on top."