The prize for a Bolton victory would be a first FA Cup semi-final appearance in 10 years, while Birmingham are looking to book a return trip to Wembley only two weeks after beating Arsenal in the Carling Cup final. For Coyle, the match will also allow him to pit his wits against a man who was one of his managerial inspirations when he played under now Birmingham boss Alex McLeish at Motherwell in the late 1990s. Bolton certainly go into the clash as the in-form side having won four of their last five matches while their opponents are caught up in a battle to avoid relegation. Coyle said: "The performances and the results have been of a high standard, and that's what we need on Saturday again. We're playing against a very good side. "It was a magnificent achievement for Birmingham to win the Carling Cup and they're coming off a great draw at Everton. "We know their qualities and they're led by a man I know very well, someone I was very fortunate to play under and learned a lot from." Two players who will definitely play no part in Saturday's match are Zat Knight and Ricardo Gardner, who have both been sidelined by knee injuries this season. Knight damaged ligaments last month and is not expected to return until the end of March at the earliest, but Coyle has been encouraged by his progress. The Scot added: "He's still a number of weeks away from any involvement with the first-team squad but it's great to see him out on the grass and doing some light jogging." Long-serving winger Gardner has only just returned to full fitness after fourth months out and this week joined Preston, who are managed by former Bolton assistant manager Phil Brown, on a month-long loan deal. "Phil Brown has been on for the last month about getting him on loan," said Coyle. "Ultimately I left the decision to Ricardo, if he felt he was at the stage he could get games in the Championship to further improve his fitness and his physical condition, and that's what he felt. "So he's gone for a month with a view to getting fitter and stronger and then he'll come back to Bolton to fight for his place." Ivan Klasnic has fired Bolton into the FA Cup quarter-finals with winners in the last two rounds against Wigan and Fulham, but even the Croatian is not guaranteed a starting spot on Sunday. Coyle said: "He's put himself in contention, as have the other 18 players. Regardless of who scores the goals for us, it's very much a team effort and they're all buying into that. "Ivan's done fantastic, not only on Saturday but also scoring the winning goals at Wigan and Fulham, so he's certainly done himself no harm. He's looking 100 per cent fit, he's looking sharp and we know he's a terrific goalscorer. "I'm always looking to pick the best team possible. Daniel Sturridge is cup-tied so there'll certainly be a minimum of one change. There may very well be a few more on top of that."
