A year after picking up the knee injury which has left him on the sidelines, Andy Jordan is still some way from full fitness.

City chief Lennie Lawrence still hasn't seen the defender play. It is likely to be another six weeks at least before Jordan returns to training.

"It was at this time a year ago that I first felt the knee problem," said Jordan, who has scored two own goals in six appearances since signing from Bristol City in October 2000.

"I played on for a couple of games, then it went again. I kept trying to play, but in the end I went to see a surgeon and he told me it had to be sorted out long-term."

He spent seven days in hospital after his operation and he has spent the last 18 weeks recovering. He has also spent time in Lilleshall's centre of excellence.

Jordan continued: "All I can do is work to regain fitness, play a few reserve matches and see what happens from there.

"I'm still pretty young and I will come back from this. I haven't played many matches for the Bluebirds and I've had the mickey taken for those two own goals I scored, but I would love to play for the club again.

"I want the chance to prove myself, but I can't talk to the manager until I am fit again."

Mark Bonner is also six weeks away from being able to train. The midfielder is still on crutches following his ankle operation. He will miss a large part of the new season and will probably find it hard to break back into the first team.

Jason Bowen is also ruled out from Saturday's match at Oldham, but he is on the mend and could be training again this time next week.