West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis promises to play Stephane Sessegnon

Tony Pulis has told Stephane Sessegnon that he will play him every week if he can replicate Saturday's impressive performance against Sunderland.

The 31-year-old midfielder has been in Premier League exile since April 4 when the Baggies were humiliated at home by Queens Park Rangers, losing 4-1 to a side that went on to relegation.

But with an ankle injury ruling out James Morrison on Saturday, Pulis handed the fleet-footed Benin international a surprise first league start of the season against his former club.

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It was a decision well received at The Hawthorns, and there were cheers among the Albion fans when Sessegnon's name was read out before kick-off.

"I just fancied Sess because of playing against his old club and it was one that I'd had in the back of my mind for a while," said the manager. "He's come in and he's done brilliant. It's just that consistency with him.

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"If we can get that type of performance every week, he'll be playing every week.

"I thought playing against his old club would be a spur for him."

Sessegnon was by far and away the most exciting player on the pitch in a drab first half, beating former Albion full-back Billy Jones on several occasions down the right wing and having Albion's only shot at goal.

Although he couldn't replicate his influence in the second half, his performance scared the Sunderland defence, who backed off the diminutive playmaker after the break and allowed him to run at them.

It was a rare opportunity to force himself into the starting line-up but one that Sessegnon grasped firmly with both hands.

"I was really happy to be back playing," said Sessegnon. "It was a tough game against a difficult team who had a new manager.

"I thought we played well and deserved to get the three points. To be in the side again was nice and I tried to do my best after working hard to get back in. I thought I performed well.

"After getting this victory hopefully we can push on and win more matches."

His performance did not go unnoticed at The Hawthorns, where the fans have been crying out for some creative flair going forward, and even though Pulis likes to play more defensively away from home, there will be eyebrows raised if he is left out of the team for Norwich – particularly considering Sessegnon proved his desire to work for the team.

Ten minutes from the end he denied Jones a chance with a sliding tackle in the box.

There were appeals for a penalty from the Sundeland fans behind the goal but referee Martin Atkinson rightly waved them away.

Who Sessegnon would replace at Norwich, if Morrison returns, is another matter.

The Scot has two goals and two assists this season, and has been Albion's most creative player so far.