West Brom frontman reveals how James Morrison is driving 'big standards'

The striker, who finished as the club's 10-goal top scorer last season, remarked on the clear upturn in performance level under Morrison, evident in the 10-match unbeaten run to survival.

Heggebo claimed the "small margins" fell on Albion's side in the spring safety push due to the work the squad put in for them. He felt previous bosses Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay came out on the wrong side of those margins.

Morrison was assisted by Matt Gill, who played an influential role as a respected assistant during the caretaker period. Both are now on board on a permanent basis, joined by new coaches Tony McMahon and Gavin Strachan, for the new season.

Asked about the dramatic spike under Morrison, Heggebo, 24, told the Express & Star: "Of course, I would say the previous two managers as well - it's a game of small margins and that is the same for them as well.

"But when Mozza and Gilly, as well, came in for the final games, I think you saw in the group, as a collective, in both the offensive and defensive parts, we played much better and looked much better as a unit.

"Also, I think in a few of the games we also had, but maybe because we worked for it and then you get a payment in the end, the margins (on our side).

"But definitely the standards he's pushing in training every day is big."

Albion seek a significant improvement on the finish of 20th after a campaign that fell a long way below the club's standards and expectation, underlined in a letter from owner and chairman Shilen Patel last month.

"That's the goal, definitely," Heggebo said of lifting the club to where it should be. "That's the goal.

"And again, that's down to the work we do every day. West Brom is a big club and last season was not up to the standards for West Brom, so I think everybody in the group feels hungry to get on a better season next season."

Heggebo moved to The Hawthorns in a £4.7million switch 12 months ago - the highest fee owners Bilkul have parted with on a player to date - and marked his year anniversary at the club last week.

His debut campaign was up and down as seven of his 10 goals in Albion colours came in a remarkable seven-match purple patch across November and December.

Former boss Mason said at the time Heggebo was hitting top form after a knee injury stunted his early months at the club.

"Sometimes it's a game of small margins," the striker said. "Sometimes you play with a few struggles, but then you get through them and maybe you get a reward in the end.

"Definitely, you get a payment if you put in the work over a long time."

The Norwegian, who cheered on his nation in the World Cup from afar this summer, enjoyed a welcome break having had no off-season before his move to the Baggies.

"I think experience is always good," he added of being better for a break.

"You've been through it once. Build some reflections on things you maybe need to improve on and then hopefully that will result in better performances."

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