WEST Bromwich Albion are on the brink of succeeding Sunderland as champions of the Championship and first-season heroics have made James Morrison's move from the North-East worthwhile.

Just nine months ago the Darlington-born midfielder accepted his future was away from Middlesbrough, the club where he had spent the majority of his youth.

Morrison was part of the FA Youth Cup winning side in 2004 and claimed the first goal scored by a Middlesbrough player in a UEFA Cup fixture on European soil against Banik Ostrava in the September of that year.

But, after helping to claim the point that has almost certainly assured West Brom a place back in the Premier League next season, Morrison is warming up for the biggest achievement of his short career.

He turns 22 on the 25th of next month and by that time he could have a Championship winners' medal to cherish, the reward on offer if Stoke do not record a better result than West Brom this weekend.

Morrison said: "My move has paid off and credit to the people around me who told me what a great club it was and to the manager (Tony Mowbray) for making my mind up.

"I am delighted I made the move. Everyone is happy and we're just waiting for Sunday now. It has been a long, hard season but it's been enjoyable as well because we have played some great stuff. We have had some highs and some lows as well but that is part and parcel of football.

"Credit to the manager. He has a method and he loves that way of playing football and it has paid off. He brought in good players in January and I am delighted for the players and the staff who are here."

West Brom's draw with Southampton on Monday night - courtesy of a late equaliser from another former Boro youngster, Chris Brunt - has left them leading the Championship on goal difference.

The Potters take on relegation-threatened Leicester at the Britannia Stadium, while West Brom head to QPR on the verge of winning the league.

Morrison said: "It would make promotion extra special if we could lift the trophy and celebrate on Sunday in front of the fans."