Stepping up

to record their first win at Ewood Park since 1986.

Another triumph at the East Lancashire ground would be a real tonic, but Town must do it without Tommy Smith.

The right-back and stand-in skipper is suspended after picking up a fifth booking of the season during Monday’s disappointing 2-1 home defeat by Wigan Athletic.

Former Barnsley skipper Cranie, 30, has made just one start this season, in the 2-1 League Cup first-round defeat at Shrewsbury Town.

He has featured three times in the league as a substitute.

“Martin Cranie is our back-up for Tommy,” confirmed Wagner. “If we go with our normal four at the back, he will play.”

Wagner, who deviated from the norm by going with three centre-backs in Town’s last away game at Cardiff City, will also be without Mark Hudson.

The central defender and captain was forced off by a hamstring injury just seven minutes into the Wigan match.

Wideman Sean Scannell is a doubt after picking up a calf problem (he was substituted before the break).

And forward Jack Payne’s knee injury kept him out of a second game on Monday.

With 11 goals conceded in four games, Wagner again bemoaned Town’s defending against Wigan - although this time against counter-attacks rather than setpieces.

And he also wants a team who have a minus three goal difference to be clinical in the opposition area.

“We made good opportunities against Wigan - five or six of them,” he added.

“Aaron Mooy scored a great goal, but there were other chances for Elias Kachunga, Kasey Palmer and Philip Billing which we didn’t take.”