Fowler desperate to impress

Forward could overtake Henry's goal tally

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 12th July 2008

robbie fowler cardiff

Fowler: Gambler

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Robbie Fowler says he has turned down a Cardiff contract to gamble his football future on a trial at Blackburn Rovers.

The former England striker admitted that the lure of the Premier League was just too good an opportunity to refuse and forced him to turn down a lucrative contract with Cardiff.

He will join Rovers for an extended training period giving him a chance to impress new boss Paul Ince at Ewood Park.

But the 33-year-old will have to prove his fitness if he is to succeed in top flight football - which could earn him a dream one-year contract with the Lancashire club.

Desire

"I don't think anyone at Cardiff can blame me for taking this opportunity because I still have a desire to play at the top level," he told the Daily Mirror.

"Most importantly, I believe I can still do it. I could take the contract on offer at Cardiff, and there are no guarantees that I will be taken on by Blackburn, but at this stage of my career I've got to take a chance.

"I still love football, still want to go out and do it, and I'm really pleased that I have got a chance to show I can play in the Premier League."

Fowler is a long-time friend of former Liverpool team-mate Ince, but there will be no favours for the forward who needs to prove he is not washed up after a disappointing return to Liverpool in 2006 before being signed by Championship club Cardiff a year later.

Renowned

The former Leeds United and Manchester City forward is renowned as one of the best finishers of his generation and he intends to look into taking his coaching badges over the next couple of years.

The Liverpool-born player will join Blackburn's trip to Germany for a training camp and he is expected to play in a host of friendlies during Rovers' pre-season campaign.

Fowler, who is the fourth highest scorer in Premier League history, could also catch up with Thierry Henry's goal tally - needing just 12 more goals than the Frenchman to take him into third spot.

Questioned whether the hitman can still cut it, he added: "I'm not trying to kid anyone, I'm not as fit as I was at the age of 20 but that's obvious.

"I feel I can still perform to a decent level. I have the desire still and that's important."