West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis praised “fantastic” winger James McClean after the Republic of Ireland international’s thumping header rescued a draw for the Baggies against Tottenham on Saturday.
McClean has endured a topsy-turvey spell at the Hawthrons since making the switch from Wigan Athletic last June.
He refused to wear a poppy in the club’s game against Leicester – holding firm on a stance he’d taken with previous clubs Wigan and Sunderland – and was given a formal warning by the FA after an incident with the Sunderland fans following West Brom’s 1-0 win against the Black Cats this season.
However he was the hero of the hour on Saturday as his brilliant diving header earned a deserved point for Pulis’ men.
"James has become a favourite here at the Hawthorns through his challenges and the way he picks up the ball,” Pulis told the club's website.
"He started sloppy and gave the first two balls away, but I have been delighted with him and he has been fantastic for us."
The former Stoke boss missed the game due to illness, with joint assistant head coach David Kemp taking the reins. Kemp echoed the manager’s sentiments, and said McClean must now try to kick on and add more goals to his game.
"He has been playing ever so well and goals are probably what he hasn't brought to the team. He got a terrific goal here and hopefully he can go on and score a few more.
"We've been very pleased with him. His performances have been excellent. He's been fantastic. I don't think anyone was doing somersaults when we signed him and felt he was going to have a big influence here but he has been tremendous.
"He's part of the group, sets the tone for the rest of the team with his energy and his performances have been top class."
