West Brom v Millwall: James Morrison keen to use home advantage for a 'no fear' display

The Baggies return home for a clash against Millwall in front of the lights on Friday in a contest that could have serious ramifications at both ends of the Championship.

A home victory would take Morrison’s resurgent side seven points clear of drop zone with rivals in action later in the weekend.

Likewise promotion-hunting Millwall, under Alex Neil, can return to the second tier’s top two if they respond from Monday’s defeat against Norwich with a point or more.

Albion made it two draws across the Bank Holiday weekend with the tense 0-0 at Ewood Park, where the visitors could not find a winner to delight 7,500 travelling fans. Morrison wants his players to learn from the tension in Lancashire and believes a home crowd can help.

“I felt we played a little bit with that pressure from Blackburn,” Morrison admitted.

“We were a bit nervy in certain situations, particularly in the final third.

“It's about how we can deal with that, but also we're at home, the crowd will be with us.

“They've got a different type of pressure pushing for that top two.”

The Albion boss added: “I know they've come off a bad result against Norwich. They'll be a little bit of a wounded animal, so we've got to be ready for what they bring.

“We've got the utmost respect for their manager. He's experienced and he has a clear way of identity for his team.

“They give everyone a tough game, so I expect a real tough game. We've got to stand tall and be brave and play our game.”

Morrison’s men have impressed at home against form teams of late, claiming five points from nine against Southampton, Hull and Wrexham. They also led in both draws.

There is certainly no need for an inferiority complex against the Lions on Friday.

“Fear can be a big part in these situations, but we've got to play with no fear,” Morrison added.

“I wanted to make our home form good again, because we can match anyone at home. Particularly we do better against the better clubs and the performance can ensure that.”

The Baggies boss added his satisfaction on the “clarity” received now relegation rivals Leicester’s six-point deduction has been upheld by an independent commission.

“That's what we want (clarity),” he said. “I'm happy that it's been sorted and we know where we stand now, so we can just focus on our job and our own stuff, really. I'm pleased about that.”

Fellow rivals Portsmouth head to Middlesbrough on Saturday and play their game in hand on Albion and others at home to second-placed Ipswich on Tuesday to leave all sides on the same number of fixtures.

Meanwhile, Albion attacker Karlan Grant returned to full training yesterday and is line to make a return to action in the clash at Preston on Saturday week.

He has missed almost three months with a hamstring injury.

Central defender Chris Mepham is also on his way back from a long-term hamstring setback and is likewise in line for matchday squad duties at Deepdale.

Attacking midfielder Tammer Bany is back in training but Albion are exercising more caution on the 22-year-old and forecast he could be available for the penultimate weekend at home to Ipswich.