Tony Pulis: Now's time for Baggies to get down to business

'The real business starts now', according to Albion boss Tony Pulis, after the weekend's disappointing defeat in Southampton.

The Baggies have got no time to dwell on that result, with an FA Cup third-round replay at Bristol City tomorrow night and a home derby against Villa on Saturday.

Albion may be eight points above the relegation zone, but Pulis is all too aware his side can get dragged into the mire.

"Every month in the Premier League is a month that could make or break you," he said. "You have to accept that. We have 27 points now from 22 games.

"That's a good return for us and we're happy with what we've done so far, but the real business now starts.

"We need to get those 40 points as quick as we possibly can."Southampton announced the £4m signing of striker Charlie Austin before Saturday's match, but Pulis has to offload players before he can bring any in.

Middlesbrough and QPR are believed to be interested in signing Callum McManaman from the Baggies.

However, Albion are reportedly holding out for £7m, meaning any deal done this January is likely to be a loan.

"Jeremy Peace has run this football club very diligently," said Pulis.

"The club is not in debt, the infrastructure is absolutely first class and he's made that a priority. . He's not going to change for me."

Worried about the energy levels his team displayed at St Mary's, Pulis suggested he'd still play a strong team against Bristol City.

"There were half a dozen players out there who looked empty," he said.

"We haven't got a massive squad so we'll see. We'll go there wanting to win the game.

"Then we've got the local derby against Aston Villa on Saturday, so there's big games coming up."