James Morrison: Baggies can't be affected by Alex Mowatt exit

West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison says the thing that most frustrated him about captain Alex Mowatt's eve-of-season exit to Derby County was the timing of it.

For the second season running, following Darnell Furlong's departure to Ipswich Town a year ago, the Baggies have lost the captain they started the season with.

But Mowatt's successor George Campbell proved a lucky on-field general in Saturday's somewhat fortuitous 2-1 win at Norwich.

And Morrison is now only looking forward after Albion's third successive opening-day Championship win in as many seasons.

"It's just football," Morrison told BBC Radio WM. "There's a little bit of a hangover. But am I going to let it derail me? No. I've got to lead the team and set an example and show that it can't affect us.

"The timing of it was the most disappointing thing for me. We'd been doing so much work - and him doing really well too. He's been the glue on the pitch and in the dressing room.

"But I can see both sides. It's a good opportunity for Alex - and for him to get the extra years too."

Albion's next key dates are this Sunday's opening home game of the campaign against relegated Burnley, followed by two tough trips to the North East, the Carabao Cup trip to Newcastle on Wednesday, 26 August and the lunchtime kick-off at Middlesbrough three days later.

Albion then do not play again until 2 September, at home to Charlton Athletic, the day after the summer transfer window closes.

But, despite losing another midfielder, Ousmane Diakité, early in the second half at Carrow Road with what looked like an injury, Morrison said his only concern is replacing Mowatt.

"I'd like to bring in another one to replace Alex, " he said. "As for Ousmane, he has an ice pack on, but he's stronger than he thinks."