Morrison plays with principles: Scotland midfielder happy he didn't leave West Brom for Bolton

YOU COULD never accuse James Morrison of putting poppy and profile before his principles. The West Bromwich Albion midfielder buys in to Tony Mowbray's footballing philosophy big style. So much so he doesn't have any cause to regret the English top-flight's bottom club – doomed to Championship demotion – blanking a £3m bid from Bolton for his services in January.

The two clubs sparred last weekend, neither side able to land a knockout blow in a soporific 1-1 draw. "I was happy to stay and fight to keep West Brom in the league, though have thought about what it would be like to play for Bolton. Playing against them last Saturday made me realise it was a good move not to go," said the 22-year-old this week. "No disrespect to them, but I like to play football and they didn't do that much. I was flattered with their offer and it showed I was doing something right."

Scottish internationalist Morrison has done enough right to be considered West Brom's best player in a season which, barring a couple of brief spells, has always looked like ending with last year's Championship winners being the top flight's biggest losers. Morrison doesn't pretend to know what possible effect that could have on Mowbray's position at the club he took up with football finesse rather than flexing of financial muscle.

"Maybe it is right to say that it is all about winning but I've enjoyed playing the right way, enjoyed the task of trying to stay in the league," said the midfielder. "After the game last Saturday, the manager said he would continue to stick by his principles and admitted he wouldn't want his team to play the way some do in the Premier League. It is a beautiful game, so play it that way, is what he thinks and I admire that.

"I think the crowd do too. They have stayed behind us, credit to them. There have been some games they have got on our backs a bit, but that's usual. We are not getting the results they deserve. It is up to us to make them happy, stay in the league.

"But the fans are behind the manager still, though I don't know what the chairman is thinking. Over the past few years the manager has done a really good job for West Brom so maybe the chairman has that in mind.

"Personally, I have enjoyed the season despite everything. I took the game coming out of the Premier (in joining West Brom from Middlesbrough in 2007] and it paid off through getting back in and playing regularly. Being in the Championship made me a better player and that has allowed me to be happy with my performances."

Morrison, who was honest enough to admit he chose to play for Scotland through his grandparentage because opportunities with England would be limited, has served up no more than all right performances for George Burley's side so far. Against Norway, he started in the centre but within half an hour was switched out to a wide right berth he more typically occupies for his club.

"When Bolton came in for me my agent told me they wanted me to play as one of a three in midfield, which is where I like to play," he said. "But I think it will be as I get older and more experienced that I will end up there and right now I am happy to play out wide and mostly enjoy playing anywhere across the middle. It is all about confidence really. I am playing week in, week out and I have a manager who believes in me. I play with good players every day so I learn off them in training."

Since July, he has also being learning off one of the most irrepressible characters the Scottish game has produced in the past three decades in the form of Peter Grant. Mowbray appointed his former Celtic team-mate as first-team coach in July, ending an eight-month hiatus from football for Grant following his decision to resign as Norwich City manager. Morrison already has his training ground instructor's number...or should that be his digit.

"He is a very good coach," said the youngster. "He loves to win and doesn't hold back on what he thinks, that's what you want sometimes in football. I have seen him lose his head a few times and that finger comes out. Me and him get along and I couldn't have asked for any more from him in the short time he's been at the club."

If Grant hasn't yet attempted to talk Morrison into submission, the player must be doing plenty right.