Tony Pulis pranked into thinking Bolton wanted Gareth McAuley on loan

VIDEO: Northern Irish footballer Blain Morrison fooled the Baggies boss

New West Brom manager Tony Pulis (Getty Images)

West Brom head coach Tony Pulis has been the victim of a prank phone call from a Northern Irish footballer pretending to be Bolton manager Neil Lennon.

Limavady United midfielder Blain Morrison fooled the Baggies chief into thinking he was Lennon.

Morrison asked to take Gareth McAuley on loan but Pulis blocked the fictitious proposed move, with the defender a key member of his squad.

West Brom have confirmed Pulis took the call, which was filmed and could be heard on a YouTube video.

"Gareth is playing every week, he is a good lad," said Pulis in the call, adding the centre-back was "fantastic around the place".

The Hawthorns chief then suggested the imposter looked at Crystal Palace centre-back Paddy McCarthy, who he managed at Selhurst Park last season.

The pair ended the call with Pulis telling 'Lennon' to "keep in touch" if he needed anything.

Morrison plays for Limavady in NIFL Championship 2 after their relegation last season.

Morrison told BBC Northern Ireland: "I thought the call would last a few seconds and didn't expect it to last any longer.

"I hope Tony Pulis is not offended and sees the funny side and takes it in the right spirit."

PA