Source: Team_Talk
Gardner keen to cement Whites spot
Gardner gave a dynamic performance when he stepped off the bench in Saturday's draw with Stoke following six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
He is now likely to get another run-out in Tuesday night's Carling Cup clash against West Ham at the Reebok Stadium and is eager to build on Saturday's display.
He told the club's official website: "I wanted to be in at the start of the season.
"Then I suffered the hamstring injury just two days before the Sunderland game. It was my first match back against Stoke and my fitness will come in time."
Gary Megson said: "We were disappointed when he was injured because you saw what he gives us.
"He has fantastic ability on the ball, great pace and he works hard. He has also added a little bit more to his game in terms of scoring goals and creating goals.
"When I arrived he was playing left back. I think he is better playing further forward. The quality he has got can cause a bit more damage to the opposition. "
Gardner believes they can take heart from their second-half display at the weekend.
He said: "We were disappointed not to get all three points but can take a lot of positives from the game.
"The manager told us we needed to believe in our ability and each other and that's what we did in the second half."
The players had to endure a torrent of jeers in the first half and some fans have been quick to turn on the team.
Megson said: "The players spoke about it at half-time. But you have got to be fair as well.
"We did not do well enough to create a good atmosphere in the first 45 minutes. The second half we were much better and the fans were fantastic."
Megson believes his squad is stronger than last season when they were defeated by Northampton in the competition.
But he added: "It is difficult for all of us. We would like a Cup run but not at the expense of what happens in the Premier League, which is our priority.
"You have got to have a squad capable of coping with all the demands and our numbers are higher this year. We will certainly name a strong side against West Ham."
