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Cardiff's O'Dowda feels 'really good' after injury recovery

Cardiff City's Callum O'Dowda runs with the ballImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
Image caption,

Callum O'Dowda joined Cardiff City in the summer of 2022 after being released by Bristol City

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Callum O'Dowda admits he feels "really good," following an injury-hit 2023-24 season with Cardiff City.

The Republic of Ireland international was restricted to just five Championship starts during the course of Erol Bulut's debut campaign with the Bluebirds.

However, after making a full recovery from the groin issue, the 29-year-old featured for the duration of Cardiff's 2024-25 league opener against Sunderland after a positive pre-season.

"I played the first four games (of last season) in a lot of pain and it was coming to the fourth game where I wasn't able to do certain things," he explained.

"There were a few hiccups around the scan so I missed a bit of time.

"Getting back to it was a bit of a struggle. Then in the first training session back I felt something and missed more time out, so it was really hard.

"I'd say at the back end of last season, I had good time to work on certain areas of my body and make sure I could make myself robust going into this season."

Yoga and pilates played a key role in O'Dowda's arduous recovery from injury.

Having returned to peak physical condition, the Irishman is now bidding to be a vital cog in Cardiff's transformation under Bulut - whose side have adopted a more possession-based approach this term.

And O'Dowda says the Bluebirds' style of play suits him perfectly.

"It's going to take time because we have signed players late and we're probably going to sign more players as well," he said.

"But it's a joy to play in.

"In training games and I'd say watching, being involved, it's a joy to play in, whether it's playing out from the back, the final third combinations and the final delivery, it's good to play in."