Morrison hails West Brom captain Fletcher
Albion stalwart James Morrison has hailed the impact of new captain Darren Fletcher as he sets his sights on 300 Baggies appearances.
Morrison says Fletcher commanded instant respect at The Hawthorns when he signed from Manchester United midway through last season.
And Morrison is now targeting the 300-match-mark as he and Fletcher prepare for next weekend's Euro 2016 qualifier against Ireland.
"I was on to him because I had heard he was going to West Ham," said Morrison, who played a key role in persuading Fletcher to move.
"He says I was one of the reasons why he came. I just persuaded him by telling him about the club. I really believe that he is enjoying it.
"I have always spoken to him, and did when he was out with illness. We became friends the first time I was with Scotland.
"I knew what he would bring. Playing with the people he has, and under Sir Alex Ferguson has probably brought out his character and we look to him now for that experience.
"He had respect the first day he walked in."
Morrison, who is entering the final year of his Albion contract, has so far chalked up 259 Baggies appearances including 237 in the league.
And he is now looking to agree a new deal to take him past 300.
"Ever since I came here I've been more a less a regular in the team," said Morrison.
"I've played over 250 games and that's despite having missed most of one season with injury, so I'm proud of that game tally.
"That injury was a pretty tough time because it went on for a while and took time to resolve.
"But for the freak injury I'd be up around the 300 mark now, so that's a target for next season hopefully, to get up close to that.
