West Brom caretaker James Morrison quizzed on long-term job prospects with 'task' summary
James Morrison is relishing the test to "prove himself" in guiding Albion to Championship safety.
The Baggies interim boss, 39, is in charge of Saturday's critical six-pointer away at second-bottom Oxford but Albion's next appointment remains up in the air.
Morrison can stake his claim with a positive performance and result in the hunt for second-tier survival but the coach and former midfielder played down talk of an "opportunity" for him.
The 39-year-old insisted the identity of Albion's permanent Eric Ramsay successor is a "club decision", with further discussions to come after the clash at the Kassam Stadium.
"I wouldn't say it's an opportunity yet. I just see it as I've got a task to do for the football club - and then let's see what happens," Morrison said.
"Yes, it's a challenge, to prove myself. I'll be kicking every ball on the sidelines!
"I'll try to be a bit calm and let the staff and the subs kick every ball and see where we can hurt them and what impact we can make from the bench.
"There are loads of things like that, so I've got to try and keep a calm head.
"I've always had the support from the fans, so I feel their connection, I feel their love and I really appreciated that. I want to give the result that they've been craving for and a performance that they can enjoy."
Morrison, hero of almost 350 Baggies appearances, has previously managed two wins and a draw from caretaker stints over the last 12 months.
The coaching set-up including Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill also features under-21s boss Leigh Downing.
"It's the same set-up as we had for Swansea, so Leigh (Downing) has come up from the under-21s to help, so for one game we're covered here."
He added of a win in Oxford boosting his bid to continue at the helm: "Maybe, but ultimately it is a club decision.
"I've been here since 2007 so my day-to-day life has always been in here. I care deeply about this football club and I've got a job on my hands to get us out of trouble, whether it be one week or until the end of the season, I don't know. Just focus on Saturday, get three points and then see what happens."
Goalkeeper Josh Griffiths (foot) remains sidelined with Max O'Leary set to continue his place between the sticks in Oxford.
Defender Chris Mepham (hamstring) underwent a scan on Friday and if the outcome is positive it is hoped he could return to training by the end of next week.
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