GARETH McAuley believes Billy Jones is more than ready to step into Steven Reid’s position should he be needed against Manchester City on Boxing Day.

Reid was forced off during the early stages of Albion’s 3-2 win against Newcastle on Wednesday night after suffering an ankle injury.

Albion were still awaiting news of his injury, although the likelihood is that they will need to plan without him.

Utility defender Jones came on as a subsitute for Reid and McAuley, who effectively played next to him on the right-hand side of defence, believes the ex-Preston man is more than capable of filling the void.

And McAuley feels his team-mate is more than ready for the demands of facing table-toppers City.

“When Billy came into the team before we had a couple of clean sheets so he has proved that he can step up,” said McAuley.

“He has been patient and worked really hard, so if Reid doesn’t make it Billy showed on Wednesday that he can step up against a top international player in Gutierrez and he can handle it.

“I think he stopped a lot of crosses coming into the box.

“We knew that would be a big danger but he did really well.”

McAuley scored his first Albion goal in the win at St James’ Park.

He, along with fellow scorers Peter Odemwingie and Paul Scharner, were rightly lauded after the game.

But the Northern Ireland man praised goalkeeper Ben Foster, whose good form continued with two excellent late saves.