Robert Molenaar could be forgiven for wincing at the painful memory of last season's FA Cup exit.

City were beaten 2-0 by Walsall in Nicky Law's first game in charge. But it also proved Molenaar's final involvement of the campaign.

The defender damaged his ribs midway through the first half and ended up on the sidelines for the next three months as the injury refused to heal.

Now Molenaar and City set off on the FA Cup road once again at The Hawthorns - just ten miles from the scene of the crime a year ago.

Molenaar said: "It was very disappointing for me what happened at Walsall. I got hit hard in the ribs and that took care of me for the season.

"It was not a good game for any of us because we didn't play very well and hopefully we can do better against West Brom.

"All the teams that go up to the Premiership are always expected to come back down, with the exception of the likes of Fulham who are a different case. So it's not surprising to see West Brom are struggling this season.

"A lot of people have them to go down again but you never know and I'm sure it will be a very difficult test for us. They don't seem to score many goals but they do not concede many.

"As I've always said about us, the key to a good run is to keep it solid at the back and not let in too many goals. That is what got West Brom promoted last season and although they have been losing in the Premiership, all their matches seem to be quite tight.

"They will make it difficult for us but it is a chance to get away from the league and see what we can do against a team in the top division."

Molenaar has never got further than the last 16 of the FA Cup. His best year for Leeds in 1997 ended with a fifth-round home defeat against First Division Portsmouth.

City reached the same stage that season - an achievement they have not equalled since.

Molenaar added: "I've got through a few rounds before but never had something to really look back on as being special.

"Playing in the cup feels different although being from abroad it is probably not as big for me as the English lads. In Holland, our Dutch FA Cup isn't anywhere near as big.

"The FA Cup is a great tournament and it's known the world over. You take it from the reaction of the other lads in the dressing room how much it means to play in it, especially for the first time.

"It would be nice to have a bit of a run in the cup. We have been playing quite well lately and have looked solid so if we can keep that up then we are in with a chance."