CARDIFF City striker Ed Johnson is hoping to take advantage of Jay Bothroyd's possible absence this afternoon and stake a claim for a place in the Bluebirds' free scoring attack.

Derek Davis

CARDIFF City striker Ed Johnson is hoping to take advantage of Jay Bothroyd's possible absence this afternoon and stake a claim for a place in the Bluebirds' free scoring attack.

Bothroyd suffered a twisted knee after scoring in the 2-2 draw at Burnley on Tuesday but is hoping to be fit to play today after scans showed no serious ligament damage.

If he fails to pass a fitness test this morning then American Johnson is expected to partner on loan Sunderland striker Michael Chopra up front, with leading scorer Ross McCormack out with a hamstring injury.

The man from Florida, a former American football wide receiver and basketball player, has yet to score a goal in Britain, but he's settled with Cardiff.

Johnson said: “I enjoy playing for Cardiff City and, in my view, the sky is the limit for this club.

“My short-term aim is to prove to the manager, the fans and the boys in the dressing room what I'm about and what I can offer.

“I'm here to score goals and I'm desperate to get the ball in the back of the net. Once that first one comes, hopefully, I can get on a roll and score more.

“A lot more is expected from me over here and it's taken time adjusting from America. I've been working really hard and doing all I can to improve my game in training, working with Paul Wilkinson.

“I think it's starting to come together for me, but I have to keep performing on match days.

“I have had to be patient because we have some great strikers at Cardiff City.

“I'll wait for my chance, whether that's at Ipswich or elsewhere, and do everything I can to make the most of it.”

With skipper Stephen McPhail back after a two match ban Joe Ledley could move out wide which would leave Paul Parry on the bench, or pushing for a start upfront.

City have lost just once in six games and are sitting in sixth spot in the Championship but Town would go above them on gaol difference should they stretch their unbeaten home run to 10 games.