It may be 17 years since City were last in the play-offs but the bulk of their team have been there and done that.

Jon McLaughlin and the two strikers could be the only home “rookies” on view tonight – and they’ve all lived through the experience of the Capital One Cup.

So Phil Parkinson believes his players are perfectly placed to handle the occasion and expectation when they square up with Burton.

He said: “We’ve got players who’ve been there before - that’s got to help. We’ve got players who’ve won promotions and been in these situations.

“We’ve got a team who’ve played in big games this season in front of the TV cameras and packed houses and handled it really well. It’s got to help.

“Unless you’ve lived through that experience, you don’t know how you’ll react but we’ve got a large group of players who know what it’s like when the place is full and lots is at stake.”

While the cup run will always be a magical memory, promotion is the achievement that this season will ultimately be judged on.

Parkinson is full of praise for the way City picked them-selves up after Wembley to rally for a top-seven finish. He is now calling for one extra effort to come through three more games.

He added: “Since the first day of pre-season, this is what we’ve wanted to achieve. A lot of hard work has gone in to get us where we are.

“To only lose two of the 15 games since the Capital One Cup final is an enormous achievement.

“Compare and contrast that with the likes of Southend and Millwall, who had big games (at Wembley) and have found it difficult to get going again.

“However, the pats on the back for getting there have been given. Now we’ve got to make sure that all the hard work pays dividends and we finish the job. We’re asking everyone for one almighty effort because that’s what it’s going to take.”

Burton are toying with the idea of playing three centre halves to neutralise James Hanson’s aerial threat. But Parkinson does not anticipate too many tactical tweaks.

“As much as you’re tempted to do something different, both teams have been successful so you don’t want to change too much.

“One goal has separated the teams on three occasions and it’s going to be tight again.”