Sep 12 2007: by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

STEVE MacLean has vowed that the battle to oust Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink from the Cardiff City team will intensify when he regains his fitness.

The former Sheffield Wednesday hitman is out for at least another two and a half months after damaging ankle ligaments in a reserve game against Bristol City last month. But he insists there will be no let-up when he returns.

"As soon as I am fit my entire focus will be on earning me place in the starting line-up," says the former Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday player. I will fight tooth and nail to be out there - and when I get the chance I will score goals."

Meanwhile both Fowler and Hasselbaink are likely to start when the Bluebirds resume their Championship campaign at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday evening (5.20pm).