Matt Upson has urged Albion to make home advantage count again in the FA Cup against his old club Reading.

The Seagulls have been inconsistent in the Championship at The Amex but have prospered in one-off ties since moving into the stadium.

Only Liverpool and Arsenal have beaten them in 90 minutes in eight FA Cup and League Cup clashes.

And they have dumped Newcastle out of the FA Cup in each of the last two seasons.

Centre-half Upson, who had a spell at Reading and won the FA Cup with Arsenal, said: “I think it’s a good draw.

“Obviously there could be easier ties we might encounter but I think it will be a really good game.

“We’ve got the home draw, which I think is key, and we’re thoroughly looking forward to the game.

“It will be two really well-matched similar teams, so it should make for a good cup tie.”

Albion are expecting a crowd of over 20,000 after reducing prices for the visit of their Championship rivals.

Tickets exclude travel arrangements but Albion have decided to open the Mill Road Park and Ride due to high demand.