Albion are handed double FA Cup boost

Gareth McAuley's swift recovery and the FA's decision not to ban Saido Berahino have given the Baggies a double boost ahead of the FA Cup fifth round tie at Reading.

McAuley was expected to be out for at least two weeks after limping out of last Wednesday's replay at Peterborough, but the centre-back's recovery is going well and he is expected to be available for selection on Saturday.

Berahino was facing a three-match ban for kicking out at James McCarthy in an off-the-ball incident at Goodison Park on Saturday.

It wasn't seen by referee Michael Oliver, allowing the FA to take retrospective action.

A panel of three ex-referees looked at video evidence, but did not unanimously agree that Berahino deserved a red card, and so the FA took no further action.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez said: "I actually saw it clearly. The ball was stopped and Berahino just stamps on James McCarthy. It's one of those reactions that is a naive one and it should've been a red card."

Fortunately for Albion, at least one former official didn't agree with Martinez, and now the 22-year-old – who has scored three goals in the FA Cup already this season – will be available at the Madejski Stadium.

When McAuley limped off with a thigh strain at London Road, it meant Tony Pulis was without all of his first choice back four.

But Jonny Evans and Craig Dawson both made impressive returns to the starting line-up at Everton and Chris Brunt came off the bench.

The injuries handed James Chester a chance to prove himself and the £8million summer signing is expected to keep his spot in the back four on Saturday.

McAuley will be available but is unlikely to be risked from the start.

Only Callum McManaman and James Morrison will be unavailable.