' Bellamy refreshed for Cardiff return after Dubai break '
Sat Mar 09, 2013 6:19 pm
Craig Bellamy is set to boost Cardiff City’s stuttering promotion push – after a short break in Dubai. 
Bellamy will be available for the visit of fellow promotion contenders Leicester on Tuesday after missing the home draw with Derby in midweek.
Cardiff have picked up only four points from the last 12 on offer with defeats in that run against Brighton and Middlesbrough.
Bellamy came off in the closing stages of the 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough with a tight calf and then picked up a minor ankle injury.
“Craig had a few days away for rest and recuperation but he’ll be okay for Leicester,” said Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay, who revealed Bellamy would return to training today.
“He is a player who works to keep his body in amazing condition and he will be involved on Tuesday.
“Mark Hudson, too, has made good progress after injury and will be back in full training and in the squad for the Leicester game.”
Hudson has missed the last two games against Middlesbrough and Derby which saw only one point collected.
But if he does prove his fitness in training tomorrow, then he is set to line up with Ben Turner at the heart of the defence against Leicester with young Ben Nugent dropping out.
Nugent, 20, will take his place among the substitutes with Bellamy stepping in for the veteran Heidar Helguson and renewing his strike partnership with Fraizer Campbell.
Mackay could also make other changes with Craig Noone and Kim Bo-Kyung among those pressing for a starting place.
Championship leaders Cardiff have 11 league matches left this season – six at home and five away – and Mackay has virtually a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Long-term injury victim Nicky Maynard will not play again this season but he is back in light training and doing some ball-work.
The loan window remains open until later this month but Mackay is unlikely to add to his squad.
But head of recruitment Iain Moody is constantly watching players who might become available.
“If a player who would add to our squad suddenly became available then, of course, we would look at that,” said Mackay.
“But there are no firm plans to bring in anybody on loan.
“We have a group of players who are intent on pressing ahead and finishing the job. There is a lot of work still to be done but we are all ready for the challenge.”
Leicester could include Jeffrey Schlupp who has been recalled following an extended trial period at Manchester United.
The 20-year-old flier is set to step in for left-back Paul Konchesky who damaged a hamstring against Leeds last week and could be missing for a couple of weeks.
Foxes boss Nigel Pearson said: “Jeff has done very well there for us so far this season and I would have absolutely no qualms about putting him in there.
“It is a grade-one tear so Paul will probably miss two or three games. We will just see how he responds. But at least we caught it at the right-time. It was a very sensible call and showed the experience he has.
“It is disappointing to lose a player who has been in very good form for us and has been consistent all season.”
Former England striker David Nugent is also soldiering on despite a neck problem.
“What you have to remember is that he is the type of player who will go out and play even when he is not right,” said Pearson.
Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z2N4H3JfQf
Bellamy will be available for the visit of fellow promotion contenders Leicester on Tuesday after missing the home draw with Derby in midweek.
Cardiff have picked up only four points from the last 12 on offer with defeats in that run against Brighton and Middlesbrough.
Bellamy came off in the closing stages of the 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough with a tight calf and then picked up a minor ankle injury.
“Craig had a few days away for rest and recuperation but he’ll be okay for Leicester,” said Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay, who revealed Bellamy would return to training today.
“He is a player who works to keep his body in amazing condition and he will be involved on Tuesday.
“Mark Hudson, too, has made good progress after injury and will be back in full training and in the squad for the Leicester game.”
Hudson has missed the last two games against Middlesbrough and Derby which saw only one point collected.
But if he does prove his fitness in training tomorrow, then he is set to line up with Ben Turner at the heart of the defence against Leicester with young Ben Nugent dropping out.
Nugent, 20, will take his place among the substitutes with Bellamy stepping in for the veteran Heidar Helguson and renewing his strike partnership with Fraizer Campbell.
Mackay could also make other changes with Craig Noone and Kim Bo-Kyung among those pressing for a starting place.
Championship leaders Cardiff have 11 league matches left this season – six at home and five away – and Mackay has virtually a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Long-term injury victim Nicky Maynard will not play again this season but he is back in light training and doing some ball-work.
The loan window remains open until later this month but Mackay is unlikely to add to his squad.
But head of recruitment Iain Moody is constantly watching players who might become available.
“If a player who would add to our squad suddenly became available then, of course, we would look at that,” said Mackay.
“But there are no firm plans to bring in anybody on loan.
“We have a group of players who are intent on pressing ahead and finishing the job. There is a lot of work still to be done but we are all ready for the challenge.”
Leicester could include Jeffrey Schlupp who has been recalled following an extended trial period at Manchester United.
The 20-year-old flier is set to step in for left-back Paul Konchesky who damaged a hamstring against Leeds last week and could be missing for a couple of weeks.
Foxes boss Nigel Pearson said: “Jeff has done very well there for us so far this season and I would have absolutely no qualms about putting him in there.
“It is a grade-one tear so Paul will probably miss two or three games. We will just see how he responds. But at least we caught it at the right-time. It was a very sensible call and showed the experience he has.
“It is disappointing to lose a player who has been in very good form for us and has been consistent all season.”
Former England striker David Nugent is also soldiering on despite a neck problem.
“What you have to remember is that he is the type of player who will go out and play even when he is not right,” said Pearson.
Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z2N4H3JfQf
Re: ' Bellamy refreshed for Cardiff return after Dubai brea
Sun Mar 10, 2013 6:33 pm
Great news all round. This game will define our season IMO
Re: ' Bellamy refreshed for Cardiff return after Dubai brea
Sun Mar 10, 2013 6:38 pm
Carpe Diem wrote:Great news all round. This game will define our season IMO
If we draw/win I'll still be happy. If we lose, I won't feel too optimistic.
Re: ' Bellamy refreshed for Cardiff return after Dubai brea
Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:46 pm
Need bellers back
Re: ' Bellamy refreshed for Cardiff return after Dubai brea
Sun Mar 10, 2013 10:48 pm
The Griff wrote:Need bellers back
Him and Huds are vital for us.