West Brom boss James Morrison delivers Josh Griffiths backing as he lays down challenge to returning goalkeeper

Saturday's clash at Ashton Gate is the final Championship fixture prior to the spring international break before a run-in of seven crucial clashes as Morrison's Baggies hunt survival.

Griffiths started the season as first choice under Ryan Mason but lost his place in December following some errors. Albion recruited O'Leary on a permanent six-month deal from Bristol City in January, with Eric Ramsay at the helm, and O'Leary has held down the position since.

"I think this season is part of his development as a young player, a young goalie," Morrison said of Griffiths.

"I think he's been excellent in some games. Sometimes he's been punished for his mistakes, but he's been training really well. I've got no qualms with him coming back in.

"Last Saturday he looked comfortable again. With just the stuff he had to do he looked composed.

"I think he can use this time to come and fight for his place again. If he does well, it'll be a good fight for the players, both of them."

Griffiths has made 24 appearances this term. He returned for the FA Cup defeat at Norwich but limped off with a foot injury. The keeper is fit again and replaced O'Leary last weekend in the win over Hull.

It was billed as a breakthrough campaign for Griffiths, who for several years held a lofty reputation while coming through the youth ranks at The Hawthorns.

The Hereford-born shot-stopper had some standout displays, such as the Baggies' last away league victory at Norwich on October 1, but made some errors that led to damaging goals against and lost his place under Mason before Christmas.

Albion allowed the club's other senior goalkeeper, Joe Wildsmith, leave on loan for league rivals Middlesbrough as back-up in January. Wildsmith had temporarily replaced Griffiths but never convinced as a number one.

"You get punished for your mistakes," Morrison added of the situation. "As younger players - I've had it with myself - you're in the team, you're out of the team, it's just how you deal with it.

"He'll benefit from his time out and he'll come in to rectify It. I'm behind him 100 per cent now.

"If he continues to do well those two can fight for the spot. I've had, over recent weeks, difficult decisions and hopefully they'll give me one as well."

Griffiths came in to deputise for Albion at Bristol City's Ashton Gate last season too, for a late-season clash in April. The keeper had returned from a fine loan at city rivals Bristol Rovers in January.

His late error for Haydon Roberts' winner saw Tony Mowbray's side fall to defeat on a night many felt left Albion facing an uphill task for a play-off spot.

O'Leary, 29, was in goal for the hosts that night and had been hoping to impress on a return to his boyhood club.

Albion's January recruit has performed well in recent weeks for Morrison's resurgent side.

"Max has been doing well. When he was called upon last Saturday he made a big save from (Oli) McBurnie, so I've been pleased with Max," Morrison said. "He's stepped up when we needed him."