FEENEY IS AIMING TO BE PART OF TEAM AGAIN; THE CHAMPIONSHIP INJURY-HIT BLUEBIRD STILL HAS: AMBITION TO BE FACTOR IN BID FOR PROMOTION.

Byline: Terry Phillips

WARREN Feeney has every reason to feel depressed after his injury woes of the last two seasons, but he remains upbeat and optimistic about his future with Cardiff City.

He has suffered a series of injury blows, but insists: "They are behind me now. I'm fit, passionate about my football, an honest player and I believe I can still play my part for Cardiff City this season."

Feeney is a bubbly, popular man who always seems to have a smile on his face and is a big family man. A call to his home during early evening will inevitably find him serving up tea or looking after the children.

And he still has that Irish smile despite the calamities which have rocked his playing career.

It's been two years since Feeney last started a Championship match for Cardiff City.

Feeney's first big injury blow came early in 2008 when he was on loan with Swansea City and suffered an ankle injury which ended talk of a permanent move.

Then, as he regained match fitness back at Cardiff City, he suffered again.

During the goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion at Ninian Park during April last year, Feeney suffered again.

He went on as a substitute and limped off within minutes. Feeney was devastated.

His season was over.

"I could not believe it," said Feeney, who had surgery on the hamstring problem.

"I heard a crack in or near my knee.

Something popped. I felt a burning sensation and it turned out to be a torn hamstring.

"If the ground had opened up in front of me when this latest injury happened I would have jumped in the hole. It was horrible."

Last season, Feeney played for Dundee on loan in Scotland - and then looked set for a dream move to Leeds United, where he had been a trainee as a teenager.

That's when he was struck again by bitter disappointment and returned to hospital for an operation.

A hip problem was discovered and the transfer was off.

He has since had surgery to cure a similar problem to those suffered by Robbie Fowler and Roger Johnson when they were at the club.

"That was hard to hear that my move was off," admits Feeney. "It was never that I wanted to leave Cardiff City, far from it. But Leeds were offering me a big chance. They are a massive club. With no disrespect to anybody, you won't find a bigger club outside the Premiership than Leeds. But these things happen.

"I am not a man to look back and worry about what might have been. Things happen for a reason. I'm back with Cardiff City, focused on doing my best and working flat out to make sure I regain match fitness.

"I played for Northern Ireland during the international break and that helped, but I need to play more matches. Thankfully, Cardiff City are arranging a number of reserve team games which helps."

Feeney is under contract with Cardiff City until the end of this season and he has been on the subs bench in recent matches.

His appearance against Crystal Palace during the 1-1 draw was his first since that goalless draw against West Brom, when he replaced Steve Thompson and was then helped off injured with Riccy Scimeca going on.

"The competition in Cardiff City's attack is hot, but I'll be ready when needed," says Feeney. "I am a big believer that teams can never have too many strikers."

Michael Chopra has netted 12 goals this season, Jay Bothroyd is in outstanding form, Ross McCormack is back ready to play and Kelvin Etuhu is a month away from playing again.

"All I need is a chance and I'll do everything I can top take it," says Feeney. "The goal-scoring form Chops has shown is phenomenal and what Jay does for this team has been awesome.

Jay is a great foil for Chops.

"I can't expect to play right now, but I'll be ready when I'm called.

"This Cardiff City squad can maintain a challenge in the Championship," says Feeney. "We are in a great position now, but we mustn't get carried away with anything.

"The City fans are passionate and they can play their part in the chase for promotion."

Feeney's career started with Irish club St Andrews - and he fired 54 goals in one season.

He then became a trainee with Leeds before moving to AFC Bournemouth. He netted 36 goals in fewer than 100 appearances.

Feeney moved on to Stockport County for pounds 45,000, scoring 15 goals in a team which was relegated, before joining Luton Town in a pounds 150,000 transfer.

It was during March 2007 that Feeney joined for Cardiff City on loan - and signed a three-year contract which ends next summer.

The Northern Ireland international scored six goals for Swansea City during a loan spell, but he has yet to scored in 13 appearances for the Bluebirds, seven of those from the bench. But he's out to put that right between now and the end of this season.

CAPTION(S):

Warren Feeney in a rare Championship outing for Cardiff City against West Brom in April 2008 PICTURE: Huw Evans Agency