Source: FOOTYMAD
Boss counts costs of cup run
But Italian still hoping to progress Roberto Di Matteo has admitted this season’s FA Cup has been somewhat of a hindrance to his selection plans after losing players through injury and suspension. The Baggies face Reading in the fifth-round replay tonight (KO 19.45) after the 2-2 draw which resulted in Gonzalo Jara being ruled out for the rest of the season and Youssouf Mulumbu suspended following his red card. Despite the setbacks the Italian still hopes to progress into the quarter-finals of the competition he won twice as a player. “The first game was very costly for us, especially losing Jara for the rest of the season," said the Baggies boss. "That was a big blow for us. "It's a shame. "If you can get through the rounds without too many problems it is better. "A replay is not ideal for any club but, as I said immediately after the game at Reading, I'm glad we're still in the cup and have a chance to get into the next round because it is a great competition. "We'll be doing our best to get through to the next round. "We will put a team out that is capable of winning the game. "Everyone is going to be required to put a lot of effort in to try and win the game." Di Matteo has seen his selection worries ease slightly ahead of the Reading clash with Marek Cech and James Morrison included in the matchday squad.
