WEST BROM boss Tony Pulis has defended James McClean despite the former Sunderland winger’s provocative celebration in front of the away end at the Hawthorns.

The Black Cats slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Sam Allardyce’s first game in charge, with Saido Berahino capitalising on a mistake from Costel Pantilimon to stab the ball home from close range.

The game itself was a somewhat humdrum affair, but events exploded into life after the final whistle when McClean made a point of heading towards the 2,700 Sunderland supporters before taunting them by punching the air and gesticulating in their direction.

The Republic of Ireland international, who spent two years on Wearside between 2011-13, had been abused himself during the game, with Sunderland’s supporters singing anti-IRA songs in reference to the winger’s Republican beliefs.

The Black Cats supporters also unfurled a banner bearing the image of poppy, a reference to McClean’s controversial refusal to wear the emblem of the poppy on his shirt while he was a player at the Stadium of Light.

His antics after the final whistle drew a furious response from Sunderland’s players, with both Danny Graham and Lee Cattermole making their feelings known as tempers threatened to boil over.

Pulis claimed not to have seen the incident, but was quick to refer to the positive aspects of McClean’s character when questioned after the game.

“James played really well today,” said the West Brom boss. “He’s settled in really well, and he’s a smashing lad. The lads have really taken to him, and he’s a really nice lad. He isn’t the sharpest tool in the box, and that’s not being disrespectful to him, but he’s a smashing lad.

“Let me have a look at it first. I’d heard about a brawl or whatever, but I didn’t know if the players had been involved or anything. Let me have a look at it, and then if he’s out of order, I’ll speak to him.”

Allardyce was also on his way to the dressing room area when McClean headed for the Sunderland fans, although the Black Cats boss has hinted that the FA might want to take a lot at the Irishman’s antics.

“I suppose he felt like they must have been giving him a bit of stick down that side,” said Allardyce. “Until I see it, I don't know, and it's not my responsibility to say what happens, the rules and regulations will do all that, look after it.”