Robson-Kanu´s stand-out showing causes selection headache for Pulis

Tony Pulis says Hal Robson-Kanu’s superb performance in West Brom’s 2-1 win over Southampton has left him with a selection headache for Monday’s contest against Hull City.

Robson-Kanu joined West Brom on a free transfer in August, but has played second fiddle to Salomon Rondon at The Hawthorns this season.

However, the Wales forward made the most of his first Premier League start for the Baggies by scoring a spectacular goal early in the second half after Matt Phillips had cancelled out Shane Long’s opener at St Mary’s Stadium.

The 27-year-old may have had limited playing time this term, but Pulis singled out Robson-Kanu for individual praise and has been left with a dilemma when rock-bottom Hull visit The Hawthorns.

“Robson-Kanu – when he’s come on he’s been excellent. In training he’s been great. He made the difference,” Pulis said.

“We felt it was the right time to give Salomon Rondon a rest, he was a little bit down in training this week.

“Now I have a problem on Monday – who do I pick – because Hal was great.”

Southampton – who had Virgil van Dijk sent off in the 89th minute – dominated proceedings in the first-half and Pulis acknowledged West Brom were fortunate to go into the interval on level terms.

“The first half, I don’t know if it was the fact we had a flight cancelled last night and had to come on the bus. Maybe it was still in their legs, I don’t know,” he added.

“In the first half we were shocking really, way off the pace of the game. But in the second half we got going and we played with a lot more purpose.

“We score that first goal, with a good bit of movement and a great finish. And the second half we started really well and probably could have won by more.

“To come back from being down 1-0, it shows a lot of character. They’re a good side and there’re not many sides who will win here this season.”

Southampton boss Claude Puel could not hide his frustration after seeing Saints slump to consecutive home defeats for the first time since December 2014.

“It’s difficult for myself because in these last two games you have the same scenario,” Puel told BBC Sport.

“We started well with possession and quality and then the first chance for the opponent they score. 

“It’s a difficult moment for the squad. We have to concentrate more in defence.”