CITY have converted Woodhouse Grove into a Wembley replica to familiarise themselves with the pitch.

Stuart McCall had the dimensions doctored so they could prepare for tomorrow’s play-off final over the same distances.

Millwall striker Steve Morison claimed talk of Wembley’s wide pitch was a myth. But McCall feels that there is a noticeable difference compared with what his team are used to at Valley Parade.

The City chief said: “We had the training pitch widened by five yards this week so we’d got the full dimensions of what it will be.

“People will say ‘you’re on a football pitch, it’s 11 v 11’ but the size and quality of the surface can also alter the way you play yourself.

“Even when I look back to the home game against Millwall, when I thought we did really well, it was a bumpy and tight park. It is going to be different.

“Morison is probably right (when comparing Wembley) with Millwall but certainly not at Valley Parade.

“We have quite a narrow pitch, maybe not compared to a lot of clubs, but it doesn’t match theirs. But we do know the condition of the park is going to be immaculate.”

With nearly a fortnight between the Fleetwood second leg and the final, McCall has managed preparations carefully as well as giving the squad some down-time. They were given three days off to relax after the scenes of celebration at Highbury.

“It was good to have that little bit of time after the Fleetwood game for them to go away with their families and clear the heads,” he added.

“We gave them last weekend off and everyone’s been focused since they came in on Monday.

“They knew when they came back in it was time to get down to business.

“You want to quell the intensity but you still want the tempo.

“I know every manager says it but mentally and physically we are ready.

“The training has been really keen as you can imagine. And from the staff’s point of view, it’s terrific to have a fully-fit squad.

“Everyone is chomping at the bit.”