Albion boss Sami Hyypia has slammed Will Buckley's attitude during pre-season following the winger's £2.5 million move to Sunderland.

But he has calmed down about Burnley hijacking the deal for Stephen Ward.

Buckley completed his move to Sunderland yesterday and will be reunited with his former Albion boss Gus Poyet.

Hyypia said: "I have an idea that when somebody doesn't want to play for you or be there for you then it's better to move on.

"Before I came I heard about players here and Will Buckley was one of the best rated players here.

"I don't know what was wrong with him all pre-season but he didn't really show why everybody was raving.

"I don't know if he knew that something was going to happen but I don't think I'm the only one who saw he wasn't the same.

"I would have liked to have Will Buckley in top form helping us to get points in the league but that wasn't to be and the decision was made that he goes to Sunderland."

The Argus website revealed last night that Burnley have snatched Ward away from Albion's grasp after they had agreed a fee with Wolves and the player had agreed personal terms for his return to the Amex.

The Republic of Ireland left-back, on loan last season, was due at the Amex yesterday afternoon for his medical but turned around when news reached him of a much bigger offer from Burnley.

Hyypia and members of the Albion hierarchy were fuming last night by Ward's sudden U-turn but the Finn had calmed down by this morning.

He said in his pre-match conference for tomorrow's visit to Birmingham: "It's disappointing but that can happen in football. Worse things have happened and if Stephen Ward wants to play in the Premier League and doesn't want to come here it's okay.

"Everyone has their own opinions on what they want. If that's the case then it's okay."