Jay Rodriguez will appoint a lip reader and leading QC as he prepares to fight the Football Association's charge of alleged racist abuse.

Rodriguez, the West Brom striker, is determined to clear his name and is categorically denying the charge made by Gaetan Bong, the Brighton defender.

Cameroon international Bong has alleged that Rodriguez said "you're black and you stink” during a confrontation between the two players in West Brom’s 2-0 win at the Hawthorns last month.

An FA statement said that Rodriguez "used abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race".

Rodriguez has been left stunned by the allegation and is ready to use a lip reader to prove he did not make a racist remark.

The 28-year-old has until Friday to respond to the charge but will request a personal hearing as he bids to avoid a potential five-match ban.

West Brom are fully behind their £12m summer signing and committed to backing him through the process.