Manager Joe Royle says that he will field as strong a side as possible when the Blues face Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Saturday. The Town boss says that his team have progressed in recent matches.

Royle told the club site: "I said a few weeks ago that I could see signs that we were beginning to turn the corner and that has been further enhanced over the last few days.

"The players were outstanding at Stoke on Monday and I have been encouraged by our recent performances.

"We will be looking to build on those displays when we take on Portsmouth on Saturday in the greatest cup competition of them all - the FA Cup.

"We are waiting to see who will be fit and have limited options in attack, where Danny Haynes is currently our only fit striker.

"Nicky Forster may be back but Dean McDonald is Cup-tied and Adam Proudlock has had a reaction after playing the last few minutes at Stoke.

"We have players available in midfield though, and will have a head count on Friday, but I will be looking at playing the strongest team available to me and we intend to have a real go.

"Portsmouth may be looking to rest players with Premiership survival their priority, but I saw our reserves play down there a few weeks back and they had international players in that team.

"They will have plenty of players looking to come in and make an impact, so I'm expecting a real test and an exciting game. There's always something special about the FA Cup and particularly third round day."

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