Smicer given fitness boost

Tests on Smicer's injured ankle have lessened fears that the 29 year-old could miss the Cardiff showdown with Manchester United. The player will not be available for the Reds matches with Auxerre and Birmingham but he hopes to prove his fitness before the Worthington Cup final on March 2nd.

Smicer said: "If everything goes to plan I could be training again on Friday or Saturday, but Monday is more realistic.

"The injury is improving and the doctors say it's not too bad. I will not be able to play in the next two games but I should be okay for the second leg against Auxerre and the Worthington Cup final.

"It will be better for me not to travel to France so I can have three days treatment here. I took a kick on the ankle playing for the Czech team and it twisted, but the injury isn't serious."