It’s fair to assume that this Saturday’s FA Cup clash has come at a convenient time for Roberto Di Matteo.

The Baggies boss hasn’t (and won’t) admitted publicly but he must be concerned about the form of captain and goalkeeper Scott Carson.

The Albion No.1 made mistakes in Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Fulham and was sarcastically cheered by his own supporters when he took routine crosses.

Di Matteo doesn’t do public criticsm. But even he must appreciate that the timing of this Saturday’s FA Cup game could help him make a key decision.

In keeping with precedent, it is likely Boaz Myhill will play against Reading.

And you would have to assume that a good performance might keep him in the side for the following week’s game at Blackpool.

Di Matteo, of course, will not admit to that. And while he maintained some diplomacy over Carson’s performance at Craven Cottage, his demeanour suggested that the question of who to pick is racing through his mind.

“Scott should have done better,” said the Italian. “He’s disappointed. He knows he should have done better and he’s big enough to realise that.

“We need a few days to get over this game and regroup. We need to stay positive.”

One player who is nearing a return is Jonas Olsson, who has been out since October with an Achilles problem.

Albion’s record with him in the side was 15 points out of 24. Without him it is seven out of 39.

“I’m not sure whether Jonas will be back for Saturday but we’re hopeful he will be back for the next game against Blackpool,” he added.

“He has been out for a long time and he is a very important player for us.

“We haven’t lost many games with him in the team.”