West Bromwich Albion matchwinner Craig Gardner was delighted for manager Alan Irvine after victory over Aston Villa.

Gardner, a Birmingham City fan, ran to the bench to celebrate his goal with the head coach in a display of unity and Irvine was delighted for the midfielder.

"It was nice to win because we've had some bad luck of late - but it was good to get it especially for the gaffer," Gardner told the WBA website.

"The whole changing room is behind the gaffer so it was great to get that victory.

"Kieran (Richardson) getting sent off meant Villa had to change their game plan so we had to be patient.

"Villa played well - they made it hard for us.

"We've been working really hard on the training ground all week and it was rewarded.

"But we had a game plan. The gaffer explained to us at half-time what we'd need to do and it worked out."