Croft is handed Cardiff lifeline

Croft shown exit door by Cardiff

Cardiff manager Dave Jones is ready to give long-term injury victim Gary Croft a chance to resurrect his career.

Croft was not offered a new contract at Ninian Park last season, but ex-boss Lennie Lawrence said there could be a deal for him if he proved his fitness.

And new manager Jones will honour that promise by allowing Croft to join the squad for pre-season training.

Jones said: "There's an opportunity for him to come in, show his worth, get fit and then I can work from there."

Croft, 31, played only once last season because of a serious knee injury.

He joined from Ipswich Town in 2002 and was a regular under Lawrence before a training ground injury forced him to have knee surgery last year.