Exit as Pulis lines up £28million double swoop

legs and more quality. We played really well for 20 or 25 minutes but the game petered out after that and a draw was probably a fair result.”

Boro recovered quickly after a shaky start and although former Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan had few anxious moments, he kept his first clean sheet in more than a year.

His manager Aitor Karanka was delighted with the result as his side moved up to sixth place. He said: “The club have done an amazing job and that is why we are in this position. The table is the reflection of everyone’s hard work.

“I’m really pleased with the spirit we showed, especially in the second half. We knew it was going to be a tough game because it was our third away game in a week.

“The consistency and intensity which we played with last season is there again.”

Boro had to dig deep as Albion started the game with vigour and purpose, with James McClean proving to be a particular menace with his attacking bursts.

The Irishman was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Antonio Barragan when he was taking aim from the edge of the box after one penetrating run, and he then forced a fine save from Guzan after latching on to Darren Fletcher’s instinctive pass.

Chances were few and far between following that bright opening, although Craig Dawson was only inches wide with a close-range header from Matt Phillips’ corner.

It was not until the 73rd minute that Albion keeper Ben Foster was forced into his first save of note as he got down to smother a Cristhian Stuani shot. And the goalkeeper was relieved to see a close-range effort from Daniel Ayala land in his arms after a rare goalmouth scramble.

A game of few clearcut chances almost ended on a bizarre note when Ayala attempted to clear a Phillips cross, but only succeeded in sending it cannoning off Guzan to safety, much to Boro’s relief. It summed up an afternoon lacking in quality and excitement.

WEST BROM (4-1-4-1):