STEPHEN Ward has backed the rotation policy of Albion head coach Oscar Garcia in the FA Cup - even though he is one of the victims.

Oscar utilised his squad for the victories against Reading and Port Vale and last Monday's draw with Hull at the Amex.

The Spaniard is likely to make even more changes for tonight's fifth round replay against Hull at the KC Stadium, so soon after Saturday's clash against Wigan.

Left-back Ward, rested so far throughout the FA Cup run, said: "You have got to look at it as a squad game these days. Of course everyone wants to play and you want to be involved in big games in the FA Cup but our priority is more so probably the League and the club would probably agree with that.

"But it is nice to go and do well in the Cup and the changes that have happened haven't really affected the side. We've put in some great performances and hopefully we can continue, because I think playing games and playing well becomes a habit.

"You should never not want to be in a competition and we want to go as far as we can in the FA Cup as well and hopefully make it a memorable year in that as well for the fans and for the club."

The quick turnaround after the Wigan match is due to a UEFA rule preventing a televised clash with Champions League fixtures.