James Morrison hints at wanting permanent West Brom stay after beating Watford

West Brom interim head coach James Morrison gave a strong hint that he wants the job permanently after his side clinched Sky Bet Championship safety – pending a possible points deduction – with a 3-0 win over Watford at The Hawthorns.

Isaac Price scored the first goal and made the second for Daryl Dike’s second in as many games before half-time as Morrison’s side made it nine games unbeaten, going eight points clear of the drop with two games left.

On-loan Crystal Palace right-back Danny Imray made it 3-0 for the Baggies, who made it 488 minutes without conceding.

Albion must now wait to see the outcome from a hearing following alleged breaches of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). They could get docked three points.

“It’s a conversation at the end of the season but I’ll always put this club first,” said Morrison.

“It’s a massive club, it’s a big job to get this club back to the Premier League.

“Am I capable of that? Given the chance, who knows.”

Morrison has transformed Albion’s fortunes since he took over from Eric Ramsay when the club were a point and a place above the relegation zone.

But the former Albion midfielder says it is all down to the players.

“Credit to the players – they have come through a difficult time and pulled themselves up,” he said.

“I want the players to continue playing the way they are and as professionals there’s a job to do. My job is to keep on top of the players and making sure we finish the season well.”

Morrison, who said he could not say anything about the PSR probe, revealed club owner Shilen Patel had addressed the players in the dressing room after the game.

Price swept home from 12 yards after Dike missed a teasing cross from Imray.

Dike headed into the roof of the net from Price’s curling free-kick in the 41st minute.

Imray side-footed home in the 69th minute after Josh Maja teed him up after Price knocked Jayson Molumby’s deep cross back into the danger area.

Watford’s only serious effort was Nampalys Mendy’s full-blooded volley which was tipped away by Max O’Leary at 1-0.

It was Watford’s third straight scoreless defeat on a run of just two points from their last 18 and just two goals scored in six games.

Head coach Ed Still said: “It’s hugely hurtful and painful because I am accountable to those fans.

“But I am going to continue on with real perseverance and trying to seek confidence and a reaction from the players.

“Part of it (Watford’s run) is understandable because for many of them, they have suffered before and they’re carrying the scar tissue of previous seasons.

“Some are out of contract or on loan, and it’s also a young group, for some of whom it’s their first time dealing with this sort of run.”