James Morrison aiming to show Boro what they missed
Sep 24 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail
JAMES Morrison admits he will be heading up to Middlesbrough with Albion this weekend in the form of his life and with a point to prove to Gareth Southgate and the Boro board for selling him to the Baggies.
Morrison joined Albion in a £1.5million deal from Boro in August 2007, signing a four-year contract, and despite making a big success of the switch he admits to feeling rejected by Boro’s decision to cash in.
“I feel I have something to prove from the point of view that they let me go,’’ the Scotland international said.
“At the end of the day they might have thought it was good business. Middlesbrough wanted me out to get some money for players but I don’t have any problems with Gareth or the club.
“I’m not the sort of person to bear grudges. I just let my football do the talking.”
Morrison’s price could rise by a further £700,000 depending on appearances and Boro will also be due 15 per cent of any sell-on fee.
He made 98 appearances for the Teessiders, including 38 as a substitute, netting eight goals after making his first-team debut at the age of 17 as a substitute in the FA Cup win over Notts County in January 2004.
He said: “I don’t have any regrets from Middlesbrough other than it being my home-town club and I wish I could have done a bit better.
“I’ve come here and I think I had something to prove to show I have ability and can play a the top level. I’m just starting to do that now.”
The Darlington-born former England schoolboy has produced a series of eye-catching displays to made a mockery of Boro’s valuation.
“I’ve raised my game because the league is better and everyone has to do that,’’ he said.
“We’re going to have to get the best out of everyone if we want to achieve what we want.
“I had a good pre-season, I feel fit and I think I’ve carried that form into the league programme.
“Last season I think I had a few good performances and felt confident. I think I’ve brought that confidence into this league and I realise from my experience of being in the Premier League before what I need to do more.”
Morrison says he will try to keep his adrenalin under wraps but admits it could be difficult.
“I’ve heard sometimes when people go back to their old clubs they try too hard. I’ll try not to get too wound up.”
