Gashed head victim Fabian Wilnis says he will defy doctors' advice and play against West Ham in the play-off semi-final first leg at Upton Park on Saturday. Wilnis sustained a deep cut during Sunday's 1-1 draw at Brighton and required seven stitches.

The 34-year-old Dutchman says he is determined to play his part in getting the Blues to the Millennium Stadium: "At first the club doctor told me I couldn't play on Saturday. He was concerned for my safety and said I would have to wait at least seven days.

"The stitches are not due to come out until Sunday, but hopefully I will be able to play on Saturday. I hate missing games, especially at this stage of the season."

Wilnis has suffered headaches during the early part of the week but has trained as normal.

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