West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis: James McClean "not the sharpest"

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has said that he will speak to James McClean if the thinks the 26-year-old was the cause of the post-match melee that ensued at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

West Brom recorded a 1-0 victory over Sam Allardyce's Sunderland, which McClean celebrated in front of the away fans after the final whistle.

The Republic of Ireland international, who was jeered by Black Cats fans throughout the tie, felt he was "hung out to dry" by former club Sunderland over his refusal to wear a remembrance poppy in 2012.

"Let me have a look at it first. I'd heard a roar or whatever and didn't know whether the players were involved in something. If he's out of order, I'll speak to him," Pulis, who did not see the brawl, told reporters.

"He played really well today, James. He has settled in really well and is a smashing lad. The lads have really taken to him.

"He's not the sharpest tool in the box, and that's not being disrespectful to him. But he's a smashing lad."

The Baggies moved up to 12th in the Premier League table following the victory.