James Morrison makes West Brom player of the season claims
Callum Styles has caught the eye in his two years at The Hawthorns.
Player of the season Callum Styles has been backed to continue his influential role with Albion.
Left-back Styles pocketed two awards at the end of a poor Baggies campaign that saw James Morrison steer the club away from Championship relegation.
The 26-year-old appeared in all but one Championship fixture and was a landslide winner in both players’ and supporters’ awards.
The Hungary international, from Bury, is under contract at The Hawthorns until 2028.
“Yes - I don’t see why not,” boss Morrison said when asked if Styles can be a part of an Albion side competing at the right end of the Championship.
“I think he’s enjoying his football here. I’m sure the hierarchy are very pleased with him, so are the fans, he’s in a good place.”
Styles arrived for a nominal fee from League One Barnsley two summers ago having just turned 24.
Morrison praised the work former boss Carlos Corberan did in helping Styles adjust defensively having previously played in wing-back and midfield roles at his old clubs.
“I think he’s been a great find,” Morrison said.
“He was playing in a Barnsley side at wing-back. We’ve made him into a left-back - Carlos did a brilliant job with him teaching him how to defend his position and he hasn’t looked back.”
Morrison added of Styles’ versatility: “I think once you’ve had a couple of seasons in one position it’s quite to reinvent yourself in another.
“That’s probably why you saw in his performance at Blackburn, when we asked him to do a job there (in midfield) and he wasn’t quite the same.
“It’s quite hard to switch your focus on your different tasks in the game for different positions.
“I remember in the Euros when he played against Scotland, he was fantastic that night.
“He’s got all the attributes to play in midfield. He’s good on the ball, good energy, competes, can see a pass.
“If that opening comes and he needs to fill it there are no qualms of him jumping in.”