James Morrison on West Brom man's path to first-team 'mainstay'

Combative midfielder workhorse Diakite has blossomed for Morrison’s relegation-battling Baggies and delivered three man of the match displays in a row, which have all ended as draws.

The 25-year-old had previously struggled for any regular football in his 18 months at The Hawthorns but has recently kept experienced vice-captain Alex Mowatt out the side.

“He grew into the game, he got better and better,” Morrison said of Diakite’s latest starring role against Millwall last Friday night.

“It's just a shame he took that knock, really.

“I’ve given him the confidence to show everyone what he is as a player.

“I think the rhythm that he's had, the appearances and the partnership with Jayson (Molumby), I think he probably feels like he's took that position now, and he's a mainstay.

“I'm really pleased with him, because he's a great professional, every day he does his job.”

Diakite is expected to be OK after a late kick to the ankle against the Lions, from which he played through the pain barrier.

Morrison added: “It was just a kick, he got scissored, really, it was a bit of a naughty challenge, but he's a tough lad, he'll be all right.”

Diakite’s form led to Albion taking up a 12-month contract option on the former Salzberg and Hartberg man. Diakite also earned a first cap for his nation Mali in the spring internationals last month.

Troubled Albion, meanwhile, return to Championship action at mid-table Preston on Saturday for the first of four final fixtures with the extra uncertainty of an EFL financial charge hanging over the club’s head.

The Baggies are just two points clear of the drop zone.

Albion’s breach is thought to be minor. Profit and sustainability sanctions state clubs can be hit with a three-point deduction for a breach of under £2million, which escalates in severity.

That sanction can be reduced by a point if clubs show losses have decreased annually, as in Albion’s case.