Cunningham Winning Fitness Race

Last updated : 11 August 2005 By Brian Cartlidge

The Blues skipper, who suffered a collapsed lung in the pre-season friendly against QPR, has trained this week and looks ready to claim his place in the side that travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

"We've had to treat it cautiously as it is a painful injury," manager Steve Bruce has said.

"He's done gym work in the earlier part of the week and he has improved with each day.

"He's suffered no reaction and from now on he will be training as part of the squad.

"He plays an important part in our dressing-room and we will certainly be strengthened by his return to it."