James Morrison backs Ishmael Miller to get goals

Sep 8 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

JAMES Morrison has backed Ishmael Miller to rediscover his scoring touch – starting with this weekend’s game against West Ham.

The Baggies striker missed two clear-cut chances in the goalless stalemate against Bolton.

Despite showing plenty of effort and endeavour as Albion’s lone striker, Miller has yet to open his account for this season.

But team-mate Morrison is confident the ex-Manchester City man, who scored 16 times last season, will find form sooner rather than later.

“He is getting chances and that’s what he is there for,” said Morrison, who missed Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Macedonia due to a knee injury.

“Maybe he needs one to go in off his shin but he has done well.

“He can hold his head high with what he has done so far and hopefully he can score the next one.

“If you look at Bolton, how many chances did we have? It would be a different story if we weren’t creating chances but at least they have been there to miss. We should have won.

“We’ve just got to keep working hard in training and maybe a lucky goal will get us off and running.

“Last season we were a free-scoring team.

“We’re a good team and we can pass the ball and we have defended well so we just need to get that final touch and score the goals.”

One player who also has more to offer is new signing Borja Valero, who impressed during his Premier League bow.

Manager Tony Mowbray revealed last week that the Spaniard was still some way from being up to speed fitness-wise, with Morrison admitting he was impressed with Borja’s ability.

“I haven’t really seen much of him yet but he did well at Bolton,” added Morrison.

“It was his first game in a totally different league to the one he is used to and he looks a good player.

“Football speaks for itself and players understand what people are trying to get over.

“He will be working hard to speak the language and, given a couple of weeks, he will be up and running.”