Lincoln City will welcome back Alex Palmer between the sticks tomorrow afternoon.
The Imps number one sat out of their 2-0 win over Sunderland after being hit in the face with a ball in a serious incident last week.
The Black Cats have it all to do at the Stadium of Light to overhaul the two goal deficit, but they'll take confidence in the fact they created a number of chances on Wednesday night.
Emergency loanee, Josef Bursik pulled off two great saves to deny Jordan Jones and Aiden McGeady, with the Wearsiders also hitting the bar twice.
Speaking to the press today, Michael Appleton confirmed that Palmer would return in goal while also thanking Bursik for his contribution in the first leg.
“He’s [Palmer] fit and available for the game,” Appleton told Lincolnshire Live in his pre-match press conference.
“I had a good conversation with Joe yesterday and thanked him. He did great on the night and had to make a couple of saves. He looked very assured.
“As good as it was for us as a team, it didn’t do him any harm at all. We’re thankful to Stoke and Michael O’Neill as well.
“With Alex back in, the rules are that he’s not allowed so Sam will be on the bench as normal.”
The Imps will also be boosted by the return of experienced defender Joe Walsh who missed the first leg through injury.
However, Adam Jackson won't be available for selection after limping off with a calf problem.
“If we’re lucky enough to reach the final, there’s a chance he could be available, but it’s highly unlikely,” added Appleton.
The Imps have no other injury issues ahead of the game.
