Robbie Fowler is set to be in Cardiff's FA Cup final squad to face Portsmouth at Wembley on Saturday but will not be in the starting XI.
Former England striker Fowler has been out for four months since hip surgery.
And he said: "I can see light at the end of the tunnel. It's been difficult this season as I haven't set the world alight because of my injury."
Boss Dave Jones added: "He won't start, but whether he is on the bench, we will have to see how he feels."
Fowler has not played a game for the Bluebirds since December, but played down suggestions over the timing of reaching match fitness again.
"I'm not just getting myself fit because it's the Cup final, it was planned around this date anyway," he said.
"The Cup final is an added bonus and to play any part, whether I'm in the squad or whether I'm involved in the team or as a sub, will be a fantastic honour."
Jones will wait until Thursday to decide on Fowler's fate, but apart from that, he has a fully fit squad to choose from and admits some of his players will be left disappointed at not being picked.
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One player who looks set to play some part is teenager Aaron Ramsey and Jones hopes this will not be his last appearance in a Cardiff shirt after attracting interest from Premier League clubs.
"I hope not," he said. "We are trying to build."
"We have always maintained and been honest with everybody that if the right price comes in for our players and it's right for them and us and enable use to move into fields elsewhere by getting maybe two or three players rather than one, then that's something we will look at."
In his final interview before the big day, Jones turned his attention to the pressure on Premier League opponents Portsmouth.
"They are a quality team with quality players all over but we've got to be at our best and if we are, I've always maintained we can match anybody," he said.
"The pressure is on them to win.
"Harry (Redknapp) is a top manager and he deserves all the credit he gets, but hopefully not on Saturday.
"This is something as a kid you dream about and to lead your team out is a fantastic honour."
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