West Brom buzzing for Newcastle cup tie

Isaac Price scored twice in West Brom's win over Burnley on Sunday [Getty Images]

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Isaac Price says he cannot wait for the opportunity to test himself at Premier League Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday.

Albion, who sit in second in the Championship, head to Tyneside to tackle the Magpies, who drew 2-2 with Liverpool at St James' Park in their opening league match.

Price scored twice in the Baggies' 3-1 win over Burnley on Sunday and now attention turns to an eye-catching cup tie which the squad are looking forward to.

"All the lads are buzzing," Price told BBC WM Sport. "They are the games you want to be drawn in, in the cup - to go and play away at a Premier League team and at a place where we can go and show our quality. I can't wait."

Albion, under head coach James Morrison, have begun the new season well having won both of their opening league matches. They also saw off League Two Rotherham United in the first round of the EFL Cup to tee up the meeting with Newcastle.

Price pointed out that the club's form 12 months ago was similar to what they have produced at the beginning of this term, but results and performances swiftly deteriorated under Ryan Mason and, by the end of the season, they were left clinging on to their Championship status.

That experience means there will be no complacency on the Northern Ireland international's part.

"Every game in the Championship is tough and it doesn't matter who you play," Price said.

"We had this last year - we started really well and it went downhill pretty fast, so it is about keeping our feet on the ground, keeping a level of consistency in performances to make sure that doesn't happen again.

"You are always learning as a player, even the lads who have played 2, 3, 400 games. It's about managing games and moments - we conceded a lot of goals that we shouldn't have last season and we didn't score enough at the other end.

"This year I want to be a key player where I show that that can't happen and I want to be a leader in this team to make sure it doesn't happen."

Morrison's appointment as interim manager following the sacking of Eric Ramsay in February was a major catalyst in Albion avoiding relegation to League One.

The former Scotland international, who played 341 times for the club, oversaw a ten-match unbeaten run which secured him the job on a permanent basis.

"It's helpful for all the lads," Price added. "He knows the club inside out. He's really humble - you wouldn't know day to day how many games he played and how many goals he scored for West Brom because he doesn't talk about it, but he is a legend and the lads love him.

"He's good around the changing room and he understands what we need. We look really good on the pitch at the moment, so it is about building the consistency which is what he wants."

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →