Bothroyd Fit For Cardiff City vs Millwall Clash

Cardiff City`s key striker Jay Bothroyd has confirmed he is fully fit and ready to go as the Bluebirds play host to Millwall this weekend, looking to end a two match losing streak which has knocked the momentum of the team of course.

Bothroyd is integral to the team`s formation and style and despite a home 2-0 win in his absence, we struggled in away games at Leicester City and Ipswich Town (when he was making his way back to fitness) - losing both. In truth we have no back-up for the powerful yet cultured frontman and despite Andy Keogh`s work-rate, it is not his natural game and he cannot contribute what Jay does in that role.

A two week lay-off, talks of a hereditary calf problem and Bothrod`s second half substitution against the Tractor Boys had led to worries he would again miss out this weekend and we would again face a difficult task in coping without him. However, Bothroyd has moved to quell those fears and told the SW Echo:

"I will be OK to play against Millwall, the latest setback was a small, grade one tear.

"Calves can be tricky and I was delighted to play for 80 minutes at Ipswich. I never thought I would play the whole game."

"I may have to manage the situation a little better, but no more than that. I`ve had a full week training and will be ready for Millwall."

This is excellent news if Bothroyd is fully recovered. We need his presence, strength and creativity up-front, but simply must guard against throwing him in too early and seeing him sidelined for a longer period. With Olofinjana and Bellamy close to a return, and Chopra and Drinkwater also making good progress, Cardiff City are growing in strength after a disappointing week.

Millwall will provide very tough opposition, but many Bluebirds fans, myself included, will be much more confident about gaining a result if Jay Bothroyd is fit to lead the line.

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