FC St. Pauli

Ahead of the final day, Markus Kauczinski began with his customary report on the injury situation. In addition to the long-term absentees, another three players are ruled out at Duisburg in Cenk Sahin, Philipp Ziereis and Johannes Flum. "Cenk has a cold and a temperature and cannot play," he said. "Philipp has had a tight calf and although it's got better he's been playing on the limit after his long injury layoff. Flumi has been carrying a knock for the last few weeks and has also been on the limit."

The players will have to be on the limit on the final day at MSV Duisburg, who for Kauczinski have had a "great season" for a promoted side and are a "physically strong team". After securing their second division status for another year, the Boys in Brown aim to end the season on a high. There'll be no dropping down a gear, as Kauczinski was keen to point out: "We want to achieve the best-possible placing, bring a good run-in to completion after the two home wins, and sign off with a bold performance for the fans."

The coaching team have designed this week's training sessions so as to keep the adrenaline high after the successful battle against relegation. "We've organised lots of short game-related drills involving lots of tackling in tight spaces to make sure no one can relax and everyone has to go full throttle. The lads have trained well and no one held back. We'll field a team that will give it all they've got once again."

Kauczinski's team are targeting another three points to end the campaign strongly. A win would see them climb above MSV in the table and finish at least ninth and, if other results go their way, as high as seventh. That would be more than worth the effort with a view to the TV money on offer, with a high six-digit or even a seven-digit sum up for grabs. "It's a lot of money," said director of sport Uwe Stöver before adding: "We'll do our utmost to ensure we have a successful end to the season."

Photo: Witters