Blackpool v Birmingham preview

Team news for Friday night's Championship play-off semi-final first leg between Blackpool and Birmingham at Bloomfield Road.

On-loan West Brom striker Roman Bednar could return to Blackpool's squad.

Bednar has not featured for Ian Holloway's side since sustaining a knee injury during March's 3-3 draw with Leicester, moments after opening his account for the club.

However, the 29-year-old played for the reserves against Manchester United on Tuesday night to put himself in contention to face Chris Hughton's men.

"I'm delighted for him," said Holloway. "He played 70 minutes on Tuesday night and that will give him some sort of chance."

Craig Cathcart will miss the match and continues to be assessed after suffering heart palpitations, but the former Manchester United centre-back is Holloway's only absentee.

Blackpool head into the play-offs unbeaten in seven matches, however they are yet to taste victory over Blues this term having drawn 2-2 at Bloomfield Road in November before going down to a 3-0 defeat at St Andrew's on New Year's Eve.

Nikola Zigic will be fit for Birmingham.

The Serbian striker was forced off after just 19 minutes of the 2-0 win over Reading on the final day of the regular season having taken a knock to his ankle but has recovered.

Guirane N'Daw made his return from a hamstring injury in the impressive victory and has suffered no ill-effects, while fellow midfielder Jordon Mutch (ankle) has benefited from being rested for the encounter and is okay.

Right-back Jonathan Spector (thigh) was set to make his return to training on Wednesday and will be assessed ahead of the encounter, although fellow full-back Stephen Carr (knee) and midfielder Keith Fahey (groin) are a bit further away in their recoveries.

Centre-back Steven Caldwell (groin) and goalkeeper Boaz Myhill (thumb) have been ruled out for the remainder of the season.