Carling Cup semi-final draw

Arsenal will face Ipswich and West Ham take on Birmingham in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

Championship side Ipswich have been handed a tough task against favourites Arsenal if they are to reach Wembley.

Roy Keane's side, who beat West Brom in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, will play host to Arsenal at Portman Road in the first leg before travelling to the Emirates Stadium two weeks later.

West Ham, who knocked out holders Manchester United in stunning style on Tuesday, will take on fellow Premier League side Birmingham in the other semi-final in something of a grudge match.

There is no love lost between the two clubs because of unrest between members of both boards.

Former Birmingham co-owner and current West Ham co-owner David Gold was barred from St Andrews for the meeting between the two sides last month after a row with Blues vice-chairman Peter Pannu.

Birmingham, who overcame bitter rivals Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, will travel to Upton Park for the first leg before welcoming the Hammers to St Andrews.

Semi-final draw:

Ipswich v Arsenal

West Ham v Birmingham

First leg played w/c 10 January, second leg w/c 24 January