James Morrison eyes European target

James Morrison takes the best form of his career and a resurgent Albion to Old Trafford on Sunday declaring 'next stop Europe'.

Morrison, one of the stand-out figures of the Baggies Premier League rise, believes Roy Hodgson's team can eventually return the club to European competition for the first time since a UEFA Cup first-round defeat to Grasshoppers Zurich in 1981.

"Touch wood we're safe," said the midfielder. "Where to from here is a good question. To finish in the top half is where we want to go and build on last year, kick on from what we achieved.

"We don't want to be talking about relegation in the future. The Europa League is definitely something we can look towards next year if we can get more players in.

"It does take its toll – look how many games Fulham have played already. It can give a club special moments as both myself and Roy Hodgson know.

"I got to a final with Middlesbrough, Roy did it with Fulham – that's what you want.

"As players we all want to play in Europe. You get a chance to play against new, different teams.

"It's obviously hard on you physically but what can be better than playing against clubs like Roma. If we can push on and keep believing that we're not just a team fighting relegation, but a mid-table team."

Just as Morrison's form has flourished under Hodgson then so has his confidence to speak out – with some criticism recently of the club's reluctance to invest more heavily in the team.

And he believes the chances of keeping head coach Hodgson and reaching European competition are all tied up together.

"I think the gaffer is shrewd enough to know what he's doing," says Morrison. "I think he's really enjoying it here. So if everyone can stay together I'm sure the gaffer will be here.

"If we got into Europe I'm sure the gaffer would be satisfied with that job."