Fowler promises honest assessment

9:59am Wednesday 14th May 2008

Cardiff 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 with a hip injury, until Thursday to prove he is fit to face Pompey at Wembley.

And, 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 saying: "You don't want to do yourself an injustice."

He added: "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. Ever since we have been out of the play-offs, it has been an aim to try to get myself involved for this."

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