Graham Potter has urged Neal Maupay to control and manage the fiery side of his temperament.

But the Albion head coach is pleased with his striker.

Maupay set up the opening goal for Leandro Trossard against Aston Villa.

But his afternoon will best be remembered for angry scenes at the end of a frustrating 1-1 draw at the Amex.

Maupay confronted his former Brentford colleague Ezri Monsa, moments after the Albion man almost grabbed a dramatic last-gasp winner.

He had earlier been involved in exchanges with Villa goalscorer Jack Grealish.

There were suggestions from former Albion and Villa striker Warren Aspinall, speaking on BBC Sussex, that visiting players were trying to wind Maupay up at full-time.

Albion boss Potter said: “I can’t say we didn’t know that Neal has that little bit of edge because I’ve seen it before.

“He just needs to manage it a little bit and control it and he does it really well.

“It’s the first real instance of any point. It wasn’t that bad, just a bit of kissing and cuddling from a former team-mate.”

Potter remains happy with Maupay’s progress, even though he has not scored since the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace five weeks ago.

He added: “It is his first season in the Premier League.

“He has come from the Championship, he has contributed to what we’re doing and there is more to come from him.

“But I’m not criticising him in any way.

“He works for the team, he does his best, contributed with an assist.

“He’s a good character who wants to learn, wants to improve, so I’ve really enjoyed working with him.”

Aspinall, who watched the end-of-match scenes from a perfect position just above the players’ tunnel, told listeners: “You get wound up. He has just missed a chance in the 95th minute.

“Maupay was walking off the pitch and the Villa lad was following him and provoking him.

“It’s hard when your emotions are up and he is back-chatting. When people wind you up, you react.

“He is a fiery temper and he got a reaction.

“Probably I would have done the same and a few other players would have done the same.

“He cares and that is what you want.”