Fowler told to prove his fitness by today

Published on Wednesday 14 May 2008 23:24

CARDIFF City striker Robbie Fowler insists he will not do himself an “injustice” by playing in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Portsmouth if he is not ready.

Bluebirds boss Dave Jones has given Fowler, who has been sidelined since December last year with a hip injury, until today to prove he is fit to face Pompey at Wembley. The 2001 winner, when with Liverpool, has already been informed he will not be included in City’s starting XI but a place on the bench is still up for grabs for the 33-year-old.

Jones expects the former Reds striker to be “honest and truthful” in his fitness assessment. Although Fowler admits he is itching to be involved in a game which could represent his last chance of silverware, he has promised to make a decision in the team’s best interests.

“You don’t want to do yourself an injustice,” he said. “For me, it would be great to play, but if I don’t I still want Cardiff to win the cup. So if I don’t think I’m ready and the manager asks me I will say ‘no’ because I want Cardiff to win it.

“I’ve done everything that has been asked of me without any problems. I’ve got a few more training sessions to go.”

The chance to play at Wembley may have crossed the former England striker’s mind when he arrived on a free transfer from Anfield last summer, but it is safe to say an FA Cup final was far from Fowler’s thoughts.

“I thought my days of playing in major finals were gone, without a shadow of a doubt,” said Fowler. “When you leave the Premier League and come to a Championship side, an FA Cup winners’ medal is far, far from your mind.”

Our main aim was to try to get into the play-offs. Unfortunately we didn’t but the FA Cup has been an added bonus,” he added. “Ever since we have been out of the play-offs, it has been an aim to try to get myself involved for this.”

The Bluebirds have an option to extend Fowler’s current deal by a further season, but he insists only one thing will be on his mind this week.

“I’m hoping I’m going to be here next season,” he added. “I’ve put off any contract talks until after the cup final because I don’t think it’s right me going in talking about contracts when we’ve got a big, massive game.”

Fowler was part of the Anfield side which defied the odds in 2001 when Michael Owen scored twice in the last seven minutes to earn a 2-1 victory against Arsenal.