Morrison defies West Brom advice

22 March 2011 12:00
West Brom midfielder James Morrison is running the risk of upsetting Roy Hodgson and the rest of the club's backroom staff after defying doctor's orders and joining up with the rest of the Scotland squad. Craig Levein's team face a glamour friendly with Brazil on Sunday and despite the likes of Phil Bardsley and Steven Naismith withdrawing through injury, Morrison told the Daily Record he was desperate to face the South Americans. "The doctor tried to stop me going but I said nothing is going to stop me having the chance to play against Brazil," he said. "I'm really looking forward to this game. You don't often get the chance to play Brazil and test yourself." Morrison has been a key player in West Brom's recent upturn in form and the club's medical staff suggested he withdraw from international duty after requiring 10 stitches in a deep head wound suffered in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the weekend. But the former Middlesbrough man believes testing himself against the five-time World Cup winners is too big an opportunity to miss and so refused to listen to the medical advice. "It's the kind of match you dreamed about playing as a kid. Taking on Spain was a great one which will stay with me forever and I'm sure this will be the same," he said.

Source: PA