Coca Cola Championship
Venue: The Hawthorns Date: Tuesday, 8 December Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC Radio Wales SE FM

Cardiff midfielder Riccy Scimeca says he feared his days of playing on the big stage were gone ahead of Tuesday's game at old club West Brom.

Saturday's 1-0 win over Preston was the 34-year-old's first start in 15 months after serious ankle ligament trouble.

After helping City to their first win since October, Scimeca is ready to haul his aching body straight back to work.

"There were times when I felt I would never play in places like the Hawthorns again," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"It's great to out there and getting those feelings back.

At the back of my mind I know I can't go on forever, the body will only allow you to do so much Riccy Scimeca

"It's been a long time with a lot of ups and downs.

"After Saturday I was stiff, to say the least. I told the gaffer I could do with a rest - but bring it on!"

Although he is eager to face his old team, Scimeca acknowledges that the end of his career may not be that far away.

"I'll take it game by game and if I get through the season we'll see what the future holds" he told BBC Sport Wales.

"At the back of my mind I know I can't go on forever, the body will only allow you to do so much.

"The problems make you think, there are a lot ups and downs getting fit - it's been a lot of hard work and effort.

"But you have to enjoy every game. How can you not when we are doing so well in the league?"

Whatever the future holds, for now the midfielder is fully focused on a big week that sees the Bluebirds travel to face two promotion rivals, West Brom on Tuesday and Middlesbrough on Sunday.

"Preston was a good win after a dreadful November, it was important for us to get a good result," said Scimeca.

"We went back to basics and worked hard in training and it came to fruition.

"There are two big games coming up now against two promotion contenders.

"I had some good times at the Hawthorns and I have some good friends there.

"They are a good footballing side, they always been.

"That will be a totally different challenge to Preston who were more physical. West Brom are a passing side, and that should suit us."

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