VETERAN boss Neil Warnock admitted he used to tell Ryan Manning "what a diver you are son" in response to the full-back winning a penalty in Friday's 3-1 win over West Brom.

Having been played in by captain Jack Stephens, Manning hit the ground under a challenge from Tom Fellows.

After a delay, referee Tim Robinson pointed to the spot, much to the 27 year old defender's delight. Adam Armstrong stepped forward and crashed in his second of the evening.

Manning won the penalty seven minutes after Saints were denied another chance from the spot when David Brooks went down in the box.

READ MORE: 'Lost for words' - Armstrong reacts to 'best' support he has ever seen

The Welsh international was cut down by Cedric Kipre as he prepared to fire an effort at Alex Palmer.

Daily Echo: David Brooks was denied a penalty when he was tripped in the boxDavid Brooks was denied a penalty when he was tripped in the box (Image: Stuart Martin)

Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, the ever-entertaining Warnock suggested that Manning made the most of the tackle.

He said: “It wasn’t a penalty. The one that they scored wasn’t a penalty, but the first one was a penalty, but it is hard for the referee in that position.

“The second one wasn’t a penalty, he’s waiting for it with his foot. I’ve seen Manning dive more times when he was at Swansea, I used to shake his hand afterwards and say what a diver you are son.”