BRIAN McDermott believes another successful run in the FA Cup could transform the club's season, writes Anthony Smith.

Royals will host West Bromwich Albion in the fifth round on Saturday week after the Premier League side beat League One Peterborough United on penalties in a fourth-round replay last night.

If Reading get through the tie they will reach the quarter finals for the third time under McDermott, who also took them there in 2010 and 2011 during his first stint as boss.

And it is clear McDermott is keen to go as far as he can again following a frustrating campaign in the Championship where Royals lie in 15th position.

Royals boss said: “It would be great to get to another quarter final.

“We've got a Premier League side coming to our place. They've got a great manager in Tony Pulis who knows exactly what he's doing.

“They had a great result last night against Peterborough after a really difficult game.

“It's another week away but it's great we now have the opportunity to play in the last 16 of the FA Cup.

“I'm really looking forward to it so let's see what we can make of this season. We can still make it a really exciting one.”

Reading had a poor league campaign last season but still reached their first FA Cup semi final for 88 years under former boss Steve Clarke.

They were eventually knocked out by Arsenal in extra time at Wembley having pushed Arsene Wenger's star-studded side to the very limit.

McDermott has already checked out their next cup opponents and was at London Road last night to see the Baggies squeeze through on penalties after the replay ended 1-1.

“I was at the game, it was freezing cold and I got home really late - but it I enoyed it,” added McDermott. “It was a fabulous game of football.

“Peterborough played some terrific stuff and West Brom managed to get through.

“So I'm really looking forward to it as I'm sure there will be a big crowd at Madejski when we play.”

Reading host West Brom on Saturday, February 20 (3pm).

Before that Royals face a stern test in the Championship when they entertain third-placed Burnley this Saturday (3pm).