Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth hopes that a couple of players could return from injury for the first leg play-off semi-final match against Milton Keynes.

The all Buckinghamshire affair will be the first in the competition’s history, as the side north of the county travel down to Adams Park on May 5.

Going into the contest, the Chairboys are currently unbeaten in 12 matches, whilst MK have only lost three games this calendar years from 24 league games played.

Speaking on May 3, Ainsworth said: “We’re here and we’re going to take our chance.

READ MORE: Gareth Ainsworth 'flattered' with QPR and Blackburn links but insists 'it’s all about Wycombe'

“We are contenders and we feel that we are on par with some of the big boys in this league.

“MK smashed Plymouth 5-0 away last week even though Plymouth had a man sent off, and MK had a lot to play for, as did Plymouth.

“But now, it’s a different competition.

“The boys really pushed in during the second half of last season and we’ve got some great sports scientists, and they get my boys in tip-top condition.

“We’re a team and it takes everyone in this team to make what we are.

“We’ve got a good squad, and we’re hoping to have a few players back from injury as well such as Brandon Hanlan and Anis Mehmeti.

READ MORE: Blackburn Rovers shortlist Gareth Ainsworth in search for new manager

“There is going to be a brilliant atmosphere on Thursday and I can’t wait for it.”

The manager also revealed that the club are in a ‘new era’, following recent success in previous seasons.

After avoiding the drop down to League Two in 2019, the club were promoted to the Championship in 2020, before being relegated back down to League One in 2021, and are now three positive results away from second tier football.

During that time, the Couhig family purchased a large percentage of the club, which has helped Wycombe's finances and stability.

The boss continued: “This is certainly a new era at Wycombe Wanderers.

“These years are ‘touching the Championship years’ and I hope they’ll be remembered as that.

READ MORE: MK mind games? Wycombe fans angry over Milton Keynes' low ticket allocation and segregation rules

“Who knows where we can be in a few more years?

"But to have the Championship mentioned in the same sentence as Wycombe Wanderers is….let me ask the fans, did you think that was going to happen in the near future?

“It seemed a million miles away when we were scrapping at the bottom of League Two.”

The fixture against MK will kick-off at 7.45pm.