West Brom hero Super Kevin Phillips makes prediction on former team-mate James Morrison

Former goal hero Kevin Phillips hopes former Hawthorns team-mate James Morrison can land the Albion hotseat on a full-time basis.

Phillips has thrown his backing behind current boss Morrison to be the man to lead the club from next season.

Morrison, the former first-team coach, was appointed until the end of the season in early March after Albion dismissed Eric Ramsay, the second permanent head coach of the campaign.

The former Scotland international has breathed new life in the hunt for survival in the Championship - albeit hopes were this week dealt a potential blow due to a charge of alleged PSR breach - and Phillips wants to see Morrison in charge for the long term.

“I’d love to see him get the job permanently,” Phillips told bestbettingsites.

“He’s come in, and he’s done an excellent job. Of course, a relegation scrap, but they’re in a good position.

“James has shown that he can handle the pressure.”

Morrison has led the Baggies on a seven-match unbeaten run, albeit three straight draws has seen the margin to the drop zone reduced to two points.

Albion head to mid-table Preston on Saturday knowing they must pick up some wins in the final four fixtures to give themselves hope - particularly now with the unknown of a possible EFL sanction hanging over them.

Phillips and Morrison were Baggies team-mates for a single campaign in the latter’s debut season at the club, which ended in title-winning success in 2007/08. Phillips top scored with 22 Championship goals on the way to the triumph.

The former striker, now a EFL pundit, is concerned Albion may instead look to a more experienced head, an appointment such as the duo’s former boss Tony Mowbray who briefly returned last year.

Morrison is likely to be a strong contender for the job if he leads Albion to safety.

“I know the player, I played with him,” he added. “I would love to see him given the opportunity, but I just fear that the club might go for someone a bit more experienced, but they’ve already tried that.

“So why not? I’d love to see James (get it). The fans love him. I’d love to see him given a crack at it next season for sure.”

Morrison was speaking to www.bestbettingsites.co.uk/news/football/ as part of his weekly prediction column.