Play for the fans - Francis

Trevor Francis watches Birmingham crash 4-0

Birmingham boss Trevor Francis wants his players to perform for the fans, when they run out for the second-leg of their First Division play-off semi-final clash against Barnsley.

The Blues are chasing a four-goal deficit after being embarrassed by the rampant Tykes on Saturday.

And while Francis accepts that his side's promotion dreams are all but over for this season, he wants his players to perform at Oakwell for their shell-shocked supporters.

Four-nil was a sickening result and terrible for the supporters

Birmingham boss Trevor Francis

"We have a massive number of people coming to watch us and we have to try to repay them in some way," he said.

"Some of those fans will be taking a half day off work and that in itself is expensive.

"Four-nil was a sickening result and terrible for the supporters. I never thought it possible that any of my teams which have been built on a solid defence would concede four goals in such a vital game."

Francis is likely to name an unchanged side as he gives Saturday's squad the chance to prove their weekend display was a one-off.

Barnsley advantage

Meanwhile, Barnsley first team coach Peter Shirtliff has hailed his side's "fantastic advantage" going into the game at Oakwell.

A double salvo from Bruce Dyer was sandwiched by strikes from Neil Shipperley and Craig Hignett as the Tykes enjoyed one of their finest results of recent times.

To take this club to Wembley for the first time in its history would be magnificent

Barnsley coach Peter Shirtliff

Shirtliff said: "It looks good for us, but we're not stupid enough to take anything for granted.

"To take this club to Wembley for the first time in its history would be magnificent, but we're well aware we have another football match to think about before we get there.

"It was an excellent performance at Birmingham, but the way we play means we are always likely to score a few goals.

"We are the top scorers in the division, which is a good thing in one way. But to look at the league table, it's obvious we've conceded too many goals, especially away from home.

Barnsley celebrate their first leg play-off victory

"Some people might argue that Saturday's performance was the best our defence have played all season, but I think we have shown how well we can play on a few occasions."

Manager Dave Bassett is likely to make a number of changes from the side which triumphed on Saturday.

Robin van der Laan (calf) is definitely out after he took a knock which forced him to be substituted in the first minute at St Andrews.

On-loan defender John Curtis missed out on Saturday with a hamstring injury, but is in contention after proving his fitness in training this week.

And Geoff Thomas, who was another casualty of the early exchanges on Saturday, could be a late inclusion depending on how his ankle problem responds.