West Brom head coach James Morrison declared “I love him as a lad, I love him as a player” after Northern Ireland’s Isaac Price continued his sensational start to the season by scoring a brace in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle United.

Price’s free-kick from distance put the Baggies ahead against their Premier League opponents and he kept his cool from the penalty spot to level the match at 2-2 before Harvey Barnes’ late strike sealed victory for Newcastle.

The 22-year-old has now scored four goals in his last two matches having struck twice in Saturday’s 3-1 Championship win over Burnley.

Price has entered his second full season at The Hawthorns after joining from Standard Liege in January 2025.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland's Isaac Price celebrates scoring against Newcastle United. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The former Everton youngster netted nine goals in 46 league appearances last term as West Brom narrowly avoided relegation and will have his sights set on bettering that tally this time around.

Price’s red-hot form will be welcomed by Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill ahead of their Nations League campaign – they begin with a trip to Georgia on September 25 before further matches against Hungary, Ukraine and a home clash with the Georgians.

Morrison has asked Price to not only produce performances this season, but also take on more of a leadership role at West Brom – and is thrilled with the impact he has made.

"He has just shown his quality,” Morrison told BBC WM. “We asked for him this season to be consistent and he certainly is.

"I love him as a lad, I love him as a player, he gives everything on the pitch.

"I spoke to him after Alex Mowatt left, I wanted him to jump in to his shoes and what Alex brought to the group, I wanted him to take over that role – he’s leading by example on the pitch with his performances. Long may that continue.

"He was probably a bit disappointed to come off but I have to think about Saturday (league trip to Middlesbrough).”

According to the Express & Star, the News Letter’s sister title, West Brom are keen to tie Price down to an extended deal which would reflect his value and status in the team – he signed a four-and-a-half-year contract after joining the club.

Price has developed into one of Northern Ireland’s most important players, scoring 10 goals in 32 international matches, and joined an exclusive hat-trick club by netting a treble against Bulgaria at Windsor Park in October 2024.

The attacker is keen to build further on his goal numbers this season and take his game to another level.

"I know I have those sort of goals in my locker, it’s just about scoring them now really,” Price told BBC WM after West Brom’s weekend win. “I scored a few last year but I need to score more goals, I know that.

"I should have had two or three in the first half as well which are probably easier opportunities. I’m buzzing with the goals and with the win.

"I practice penalties every day and feel confident I can score.”