EFL Cup opener at Rotherham keeps James Morrison focused on 'good habits' and tough start | OneFootball

Albion begin an unusual season opener in the EFL Cup at Rotherham, a fixture that matters for James Morrison as he starts his first season in charge and looks to set standards and build early momentum.

As reported by ExpressAndStar.com, the Carabao Cup tie at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium will be settled on the night, with penalties if required, and there is no extra time until the semi-final. It is not a league start, but any Albion curtain-raiser still draws anticipation.

The Millers have slipped, with two relegations in three seasons leaving them to assemble a new squad for League Two, their first time at that level since 2012/13. Former Albion coach Alex Bruce is now in charge in South Yorkshire and has spoken this summer about limited availability after difficult years.

Morrison’s side should be accustomed to lower-league opponents after pre-season, with five of six friendlies against clubs from below and three against teams from or just promoted from League Two. He has repeatedly stressed building good habits and avoiding complacency.

An early exit to fourth-tier hosts would be embarrassing, and going to ambitious Norwich on the Championship’s opening weekend after a defeat here would be far from ideal. Burnley then Middlesbrough follow, a punishing trio that will demand Albion are at it from the off.

New recruit Felix Horn Myhre, a £2.5million signing from Brann on Wednesday, is available if required, and it remains to be seen whether he starts or is used from the bench. Mikey Johnston is pushing back from a broken ankle, so a start may be too soon. Tammer Bany, back from a hamstring issue, had minutes in Tuesday’s Coventry friendly.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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