Gareth McAuley hopes West Brom have what it takes to bounce back from defeat

McAuley: Thinks West Brom can bounce back against Stoke

Centre-back Gareth McAuley hopes high-flying West Brom can bounce back from their midweek defeat to Swansea when they host Stoke City this weekend.

Centre-back Gareth McAuley hopes high-flying West Brom can bounce back from their midweek defeat to Swansea when they host Stoke this weekend.

The Baggies suffered just their fourth defeat of a superb opening to the season in Wales, losing the game 3-1.

It seemed over before half-time as they conceded three quick-fire goals inside the opening 40 minutes.

However, West Brom's home form is superb, their only defeat at the Hawthorns came against Premier League champions Manchester City in October, and it is this impressive run McAuley is hoping to keep going.

He said: "Wednesday was a slap in the face but we will take it on the chin and move on because we've got another big game against Stoke and it's a chance to put things right and we want to do that.

"Stoke will be tough but we have backed ourselves into a corner and we've got to come out fighting.

"We will expect a big response from the team that is selected to play tomorrow. Our home form is excellent and we've got to keep that going. It is important to keep picking up results."