The Baggies had beaten Manchester City in the third round and Roberto di Matteo continued his rotation policy with nine changes from the side which had won at Everton, handing a debut to young defender James Hurst. The solid performance of the 18-year-old was about the only positive from a lacklustre collective display, with assistant manager Eddie Newton declaring it was "bewildering" how so many players with a point to prove failed to deliver as the Championship club booked a semi-final date against Arsenal following a somewhat controversial second-half penalty from Grant Leadbitter. Reid, who captained the side last night, admitted the 1,100 or so supporters who had made the trip to Suffolk on a freezing night deserved better. "The team which the gaffer has been picking in the Carling Cup has been doing well. It was a team of experienced lads, except for Hursty, and lads who have played regularly. There are no excuses, we just were not good enough on the night," Reid said. "It was a major disappointment and we have got to hold our hands up. "We did not put in a good performance and I don't think we really deserved anything from the game. "We did not play to the level that was expected and there were a few disappointed lads in the dressing room because it was an opportunity to potentially go all the way to Wembley. "Hopefully we can put that result right at the weekend. "Now we have got to concentrate on getting a few more points on the board and climbing that table." Hurst slotted in well at right-back and Reid believes the young defender has a bright future. "None of the lads really performed to the levels expected, but Hursty had a great debut and hopefully he can go on to great things," the former Republic of Ireland midfielder said on the club's official website, www.wba.co.uk. "Hursty is a decent player and he was probably the pick of the lads last night. "I thought he had a great debut. "He has got good energy and gets up and down the line and there is no reason why he cannot crack on now and be a part of the squad and go on to good things for the club." The Baggies could move back into the top 10 with victory over Newcastle at The Hawthorns, where they will again be without the suspended Youssouf Mulumbu. Reid is hoping for another chance to stake his claim for a regular first-team place. He said: "If I am asked to do the job I will be delighted and we will hopefully get the three points."
