West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis has claimed that a fully-fit Victor Anichebe has the potential to be "unplayable".

The Nigerian striker netted both goals as Albion booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win at local rivals Birmingham City.

Anichebe has missed portions of the season with recurring groin injuries, forcing him to the United States in November for rehabilitation, but Pulis says that he is worth persevering with.

"I don't think anyone has ever questioned Victor's ability, the big thing is keeping him fit and getting him fit," he told Sky Sports News.

"He is still nowhere near and if you get him to that level I'm sure he'd be unplayable at times. We are coming in halfway through a season so most of the work has been done, you'd love to have him for pre-season and get him fit.

"He is a good lad and is one of those if you sit down and talk to him he's responsive. We have to get him a bit fitter."

Jonathan Grounds scored Birmingham's reply at St Andrews, but it was not enough to earn them a replay.