Credit: Tung Manh Phan/ Breaking Media

Daniel Davis

Mon 6 April 2026 18:30, UK

West Bromwich Albion keep motoring on in their Championship survival bid, but James Morrison‘s hesitation to use his full squad against Blackburn Rovers spoke volumes.

While a dire spectacle, Albion’s goalless draw at Ewood Park on Monday saw them preserve their four-point gap over the relegation zone and tick off another match.

Aune Heggebo’s effort from several yards out was tipped onto the woodwork by Rovers goalkeeper Balasz Toth in the game’s best chance, with openings few and far between.

Just three of the 17 shots mustered up by both teams were on target, and all came from the visitors. Morrison will happily settle for the point, but it could have been more.

Crucially, the stalemate edged West Brom closer to safety, but it also raised awkward questions over how much the interim head coach really trusts the whole of his group.

James Morrison made one sub against Blackburn

Morrison’s reluctance to turn to his bench showed his thoughts on the depth – or lack of it.

Both at the ground and online, supporters rightly quizzed why ‘Mozza’ was so slow to use his reserves, especially with his starting XI visibly flagging during the second half.

However, he made just one change throughout the entire afternoon, introducing Daryl Dike for the frustrating Aune Heggebo with 18 minutes remaining on the clock.

The rest of the team were made to dig in and scrap for an invaluable point, and by the time the final whistle sounded, the majority of them were out on their feet.

It was surprising that Morrison didn’t bring on Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba as the match ticked into its deciding stages, while Oliver Bostock and Alex Mowatt could have made an impact.

Clearly, the boss has already settled on the players he feels he can trust to keep his side away from the danger. As for the rest, well, they will have to stay patient for opportunities.

Short term pain for long-term Albion gain

Not all of Morrison’s decisions in the here and now will be popular, but they are undoubtedly made with the betterment of the club in mind. After all, survival is the No 1 objective.

In the end, his decision not to roll the dice at Ewood Park resulted in a potentially pivotal point, while also extending Albion’s unbeaten streak in the Championship to six matches.

Supporters would have bitten off any hand for that level of resurgence during the grim days of Eric Ramsay, and judging from his heroics to date, Morrison deserves the full-time job.

It is likely that two more wins, or between five and six points, will be enough to steer West Brom home. But they cannot sit comfortably just yet, with plenty of work still ahead of them.

Those on the fringes of the squad will just hope it includes them.