Express & Star

Tony Pulis warning: Harness your fire James Mcclean

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Albion head coach Tony Pulis has warned fan favourite James McClean to be careful following his reckless challenge on Mousa Dembele.

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The Irish winger steamed in on the Spurs midfielder towards the end of Saturday's game and was shown a yellow card by referee Jonathan Moss. He was lucky it wasn't red.

Although Pulis acknowledged that McClean's fiery attitude gets the home crowd going, he wants his player to harness his temper.

"The challenge, second half, is reckless and he shouldn't do that, because he doesn't need to do it," said the gaffer.

"Everybody knows he's a tough kiddy and he's an honest lad as well but he's got to be careful."

Not only did McClean score his first goal for Albion, thundering a header in from a Darren Fletcher cross, he also made six tackles in the game, more than any other player.

His desire to win the ball back has quickly turned him into a favourite at The Hawthorns, and fans voted him their man of the match in the Express & Star's poll.

"He's become a great favourite here," said Pulis. "The supporters like every challenge he goes into and every time he picks the ball up.

"He's having a really good spell in his career.

"He started sloppy mind, he gave away the first two balls and when he had the opportunity to cross he didn't. A little bit disappointed with him then, but he's been fantastic."

For the third time in a row, Albion came from behind to earn something from the game.

A daunting run of fixtures against three London sides in the top six has yielded five points.

"The really pleasing thing is that we've played three really good sides and we've conceded the first goal and then come back," said Pulis.

"And that shows great character which is everything I would want my team, my club, to have

."