WBA boss Tony Pulis urges Saido Berahino to return to form

West Brom boss Tony Pulis has told Saido Berahino to return to form for the rest of the season - not just for Christmas.

The striker played and scored in the U21s' 2-1 defeat at West Ham on Monday, having requested to feature to boost his fitness.

He has been benched for the last four games, with Pulis claiming Berahino's form has dipped this season, after the Baggies rejected two deadline-day bids from Tottenham in the summer.

After failing to secure a move away from West Brom, Berahino has now started liking comments on Twitter that are criticising the club and chairman Jeremy Peace.

Berahino, who netted 20 times last term, has scored just three so far this season. He could again be among the substitutes for Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool, but the manager is eager to see the 22-year-old return to his best.

"We don't want [his form] just for Christmas - we want him back in the fold and as good as he was last year," Pulis said. "He was a top player for us last year.

"Saido asked to play [in the U21s]. He wanted to have a game. His attitude was first class and he scored a good goal.

"He needed a game to get closer to match fitness and, over the Christmas period, with the amount of games, it's good he has got game time."

Berahino has been linked with a move away in the transfer window next month but Pulis insisted the Baggies have not outlined their January plans yet.

He said: "It must be transfer window time. I haven't got a clue. I haven't spoken to Jeremy [Peace, chairman] about the window yet and about what we want to do and don't want to do. We're more concerned about the games leading up to January 1.

"You can't do anything at the moment. My mind is totally and utterly focused on what we've got. They are tough games. We need to go to Anfield and put in a good performance."