West Bromwich Albion midfielder James McClean has said that he is thankful to West Bromwich Albion head coach Tony Pulis for giving him another crack at the Premier League.

The Republic of Ireland international sealed a switch to The Hawthorns last week following Wigan Athletic's relegation to League One.

"I was not prepared to drop into League One as my priority has always been to return to the Premiership where I believe I belong," McClean told the Derry Journal.

"I have great respect for the manager who had made it clear that he wanted to sign me in the past and I believe I'm now about to start a contract with the biggest club of my career to date.

"West Brom, I believe, have always been a comfortable Premiership club with a great loyal support and I believe I will have no problems in settling in once I meet the playing staff for pre-season training next month. Back playing in the Premiership will boost my chances of representing Ireland and that has also high on my agenda."

McClean's last spell in the top flight came with a two-year stint at Sunderland.