Rob Kelly praises Alan Irvine after draw with West Ham United

West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager Rob Kelly has paid tribute to former boss Alan Irvine following the 1-1 draw with West Ham United.

New manager Tony Pulis spoke to the players before the game and at half time as he watched from the stands at Upton Park, but Kelly was keen to praise the influence of Irvine, who had prepared the side for the test before he was sacked.

"We had spoken about the group of games as a whole and had gone through it with Alan and done most of the work there with the team we were thinking of playing," Kelly told reporters.

"Tony and David Kemp let us get on with it. He came up with one or two suggestions and that was it. It was brief. Me and the staff were told this morning. He introduced himself to the players and we got on with it. They are very professional.

"The preparation was done beforehand. I saw what I see every week – a group of focused professionals determined to do their job well. Anyone who knows Alan knows how well-structured and organised he is and on a football front, we planned it as best we could."

Pulis will take charge of West Brom for the first time when they meet Gateshead in the FA Cup on Saturday.