Nacer Chadli: West Brom boss Tony Pulis is happy with his star man

Pulis has hailed the Belgium international as a ‘good professional’ despite the former Tottenham winger skipping the Baggies’ gruelling pre-season trip to Austria.

Pulis left Chadli behind after the player insisted he did not want to take part in in the week-long trip, which included running and cycling in the Alps.

But despite almost selling Chadli to Swansea weeks later, Pulis says the relationship is now fine.

"He's been brilliant, he's been fantastic,” said Pulis, who hopes to have Chadli back from injury after the international break.

“I don't think it was a refusal (to go to Austria). Jonny Evans did it the year before.

“They finished a lot later than everyone else the previous season and needed a break.

“Chadli is a very good professional who looks after himself extremely well.

“Along with a lot of players today, especially the foreign players, they have their own fitness advisors and coaches.

“Chadders' argument was a fair argument. As a manager, in the modern game, you have to sit down and talk to these players.

“I make the final decision, but if I go with him and say ‘that's not a bad idea’, that's being the boss as well.

“Evans was the same the year before, he needed a bit more time, we gave it to him.”