'Naughty child' Berahino is forgiven at West Brom, says Pulis

Tony Pulis has praised West Bromwich Albion fans for their forgiveness of wantaway forward Saido Berahino.

The 22-year-old scored the winner at Aston Villa last week and celebrated with the fans after the final whistle. His name rang out of the Doug Ellis Stand, where the Baggies' support was housed.

The striker was disgruntled this summer after the club refused his transfer request and four bids from Tottenham Hotspur. At the end of the transfer window in August, Berahino declared on social media that he'd never play for West Brom again while Jeremy Peace was chairman.

"The supporters have been wonderful," Pulis told the club website. "They've been very good and very supportive and the great thing for me is the Saido situation.

"I think Saido was concerned there might be a little turning of the tide, but they were absolutely wonderful when he came on against Southampton and last Saturday against Villa."

Pulis believes the fans simply recognise how important the England under-21 international's goal-scoring exploits are to the club.

"They truly are in love with their football club and they want their football club to do well, and Saido is a big part of that now.

"They have embraced him and brought him back into the fold - that naughty child!"

Berahino was rested in the 3-0 loss at Norwich City in the League Cup on Wednesday, but he's expected to return to the fold when the Hawthorns outfit hosts Everton next Monday.