Saido Berahino 'lucky to be on bench' for West Brom, says Tony Pulis

Tony Pulis said Saido Berahino was "lucky to be on the bench" for West Brom's Premier League match with Newcastle on Monday.

The West Brom boss also hinted at behind-the-scenes issues in the latest twist of a turbulent season for the England international.

Berahino was named among Pulis' replacements once again having not started a game since the 3-2 home defeat to Leicester on October 31.

He has come off the bench in West Brom's last two games but is still well off the form he showed last season which led to Tottenham repeatedly trying to sign him over the summer.

Media outlets have once again linked the 22-year-old with a move to White Hart Lane when the transfer window opens on Friday.

For now at least, Berahino remains out of favour after Victor Anichebe - who has not started a Premier League game since May - was picked instead to face Newcastle.

Speaking ahead of kick-off, Pulis said: "He (Berahino) is lucky to be on the bench, never mind starting.

"Sometimes things go on at football clubs that you people don't see and don't realise. He's a smashing kid but he lets himself down at times."

And, after Darren Fletcher's winning header against Newcastle, Pulis insisted while Berahino will not be fined his demeanour needs to get better.

"Sometimes supporters don't realise and understand exactly what goes on behind the scenes," Pulis added.

"I always want the team to be a team, the supporters, the players, the management side, the directors, everyone together.

"Sometimes Saido does things that break away from that. He's been told, but he's been fine as you've seen today his reaction coming on was absolutely fantastic.

"He worked socks off and he's fine - no problems. At times you have to make him understand it's about the group and about the team.

"It's more a reminder it's about the group. You've got to look and understand Saido's had almost five months where he's not prepared himself or got himself ready and prepared to play in the team.

"He's a terrific player and he's got great ability and that great knack, even today coming on, of getting in great positions."