West Brom's Ahmed Hegazi earns plaudits for 'exceptional' performance against Stoke City

West Bromwich Albion defender Ahmed Hegazi has been hailed for his overall 'exceptional' performance in their 1-0 win over Stoke City.

The 28-year-old who has been a key figure in Darren Moore's squad this campaign helped them clinch their 15th league victory on Saturday.

Hegazi assisted Dwight Gayle to give West Brom a first-half lead that separated both teams for the entire duration of the game.

The Egypt international met Stefan Johansen's free-kick with his volley that was directed across the goal for Gayle who headed it to the back of the net in the 25th minute.

The ex-Fiorentina centre-back was also solid in the defence with crucial blocks and tackles as the Baggies hung on to their fifth clean sheet in the second-tier division.

West Brom, placed fourth in the league log, are in contention for a return to the Premier League and are seven points adrift of an automatic promotion spot.

They will hope to close the gap when they host ninth-placed Nottingham Forest at the Hawthorns for their next Championship outing on Tuesday night.