Palace jibe helps my team talk for Cup tie - Mackay

The Bluebirds go into the clash 1-0 behind following their defeat in the opening leg at Selhurst Park, but have won 13 of their 17 home games this term and will fancy their chances of turning the tables and securing a third visit to Wembley in five seasons.

Freedman has attempted to pile the pressure on the Welsh club by suggesting their supporters will be “scared stiff” of seeing their charges come up short again following their play-off defeats to Reading in the semi-finals last year and Blackpool in the 2010 final, as well as their 2008 FA Cup final loss to Portsmouth.

Mackay says he is unconcerned by his fellow Scot’s comments, and has backed the Cardiff faithful to be their 12th man.

Mackay said: “As far as his comments are concerned I look after my own club, it is not my style to talk about other clubs. I have enough to be dealing with here, but, needless to say, part of the team talk is done.

“We are obviously excited. We are in the semi-finals of a cup, we are preparing properly but we are looking to enjoy it.

“We are 1-0 down at half-time so to speak, but we are going back to our stadium and it will be a full house and rocking like it was on Saturday.”

With Cardiff flying high in the Championship and targeting promotion, Mackay played his strongest available side in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Portsmouth, which was sealed by Craig Conway’s last-gasp strike.

Freedman, meanwhile, was able to rest the majority of his side, who lie firmly ensconced in mid-table.

But Mackay does not expect his side to suffer in comparison.

He said: “Everyone looks at their own situation and what their remit is, whether it is staying in the division, finishing in mid-table, the top 10, the top six or whatever it may be.

“But on Saturday I wanted to put a strong team out there, it was an important league game and we had to make sure it did not detract from this week” he added.

“I have no doubt in the athleticism of my team to play Saturday and Tuesday like we have done in the league many times.”

Mackay will wait before making a decision over the availability of Kevin McNaughton (calf).

Accrington boss John Coleman has moved a step closer to becoming Rochdale’s new manager after agreeing personal terms with the League One club.

Accrington granted Dale permission to open talks with a view to Coleman ending his 13-year association with Stanley and becoming Steve Eyre’s successor at Spotland.

The two clubs are now thrashing out a compensation agreement.