IT was only a minor scare but the fitness report on Mark Kinsella from the Irish camp caused considerable consternation down at The Valley. Alan Curbishley didn't fancy being without his in-form midfield ace tomorrow - much the same as Colin Todd wouldn't want to be without Per Frandsen.

In the event, Kinsella was fit enough to play the full 90 minutes of the Republic's game in Malta on Wednesday night and, with no adverse reaction to the ankle injury that cast doubt over his fitness, was given the all-clear for a game that brings two of the First Division's top midfield talents head to head.

Frandsen and Kinsella are the inspirations behind their respective teams - action men who cover all areas of the field. Wanderers fans should be confident knowing the Dane goes into the clash at the peak of his form after being the driving force of the fightback against Birmingham - a performance that prompted Todd to express his fear of the consequences of the club selling their prized asset.

Defensive

Statistics supplied by Opta Index show that Frandsen and Kinsella have mustered 14 shots on target between them already this season.

Their passing is accurate too, although Kinsella's ability to cover the whole of the midfield and especially the flanks is evident in his incredible 20 attempted crosses.

Frandsen's work rate in the engine room is evident by his high number of tackles made, and his depth when in defensive situations is shown by his seven clearances.

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