Alan Irvine hails "model pro" Craig Gardner

West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Irvine has hailed Craig Gardner for his match-winning performance in Saturday's 1-0 victory at home to local rivals Aston Villa.

Gardner struck the only goal of the game to down 10-man Villa - who had Kieran Richardson sent off on 22 minutes - before celebrating with under-fire Irvine.

It was the 28-year-old's first goal for the Baggies, and Irvine says that it was just desserts for the amount of time and energy he puts into his training.

"I wouldn't have minded who Craig had gone to celebrate with, it didn't need to be me. My hand still hurts from what he did," the Scot told reporters.

"He's been a great pro since the first day he came and he's been a great example for all of the players. He's been desperate to score, absolutely desperate, so it'll mean so much to him to have got that goal.

"He practices his shooting every day, he practices his free-kicks day after day. He's just a model pro."

West Brom sit two points above the relegation zone in the Premier League table following a first win in six.