Dave Jones has sent his best wishes to rival managers battling each other for a place in the play-offs, but insisted: "I've got no preference!"

Swansea, managed by Paulo Sousa, and Blackpool, managed by ian Holloway, go into Sunday's final day of Championship fixtures both in a with a chance of finishing in the top six.

Dave's Cardiff City players clinched a play-off spot with two games to spare, and will play their final match at Derby on Sunday.

The gaffer said of the clubs ready to battle it out for the one remaining place: "Swansea are in a similar situation to us last year. Do I hope they get to the play-offs? Of course I do because Paulo is a good friend. There's been a lot of talk that we fear them. But we don't fear anybody - if it's Swansea, great. It would be a fantastic achievement for both Welsh clubs.

"But I'd like Paulo to get there just as much as I'd like Blackpool to get there because I'm great friends with Paulo and Olly.

"I have no preference. I'm more concerned about this football club, which is the club that employs me and the club I am doing my best for. I can't spend any time thinking about anybody else. I wish Olly and Paulo all the very best, and whoever finishes in the play-offs, welcome to the party. It's going to be a big rollercoaster ride."

Turning to his own team, Dave said: "We're chasing down third spot. There is momentum within the squad, not just the team.

"Every player that's here should be fit, capable and ready to play in our first team. Whoever plays on Sunday has the opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the play-offs.

"I'll put out a team out that is able to get me a result. If there are one or two who may need to be protected because of injuries or bookings, I'll make that decision as I have all through the season. I'll do it the way I think it should be done. What it will come down to is the 11 players who go out on to the pitch in any game we play have still got to go out and get the result. I believe whatever team I pick will do it.

"Competition for places is vital at any football club. If you have that, it keeps everybody on their toes and when you lose it you have to rely on the players who are playing to keep up that level of expectation.

"Fringe players who came into the team this season have held their end up. Last year it didn't happen.

"We're in the play-offs and everybody wants to play. There is no need for motivational skills because if they can't be motivated for the play-offs, then when are they ever going to be motivated?

"The players have worked their socks off to get to the play-offs - I can't remember when we weren't in the top six. It's nothing to do with luck - you finish where you deserve to finish at this level.

"Our position was down to hard graft, a lot of good play, a lot of good quality and sometimes a lot of doggedness when it was needed.

"As for the play-offs, everybody is going to get nervous and twitchy. No one at this football club or in this city has ever been this close to it before. But I've been there many times and I'll draw on those experiences to see which is the best way this club can achieve what everybody wants. It's a massive prize, and everybody at this club wants to do it. They can't wait.

"We want to take this club where it's never been before. The club was in the play-offs to get into this division, but we weren't playing for the prize they're bidding for now. It's a magnificent prize to try and get. It's about keeping yourself fit and focussed and more importantly, never fearing. Embrace it because if we get to the final it will be another massive step forward, and an even bigger one if we win it.