Mackay seeks double fitness boost

Malky Mackay will assess the fitness of Don Cowie and Kevin McNaughton ahead of Cardiff's second leg play-off semi-final with West Ham.

Midfielder Cowie picked up a slight knock during Thursday night's 2-0 defeat to the Hammers at the Cardiff City Stadium, while full-back McNaughton missed out due to a calf strain sustained in the 2-1 final-day win at Crystal Palace. However, the City boss is quietly optimistic that pair will be available for Monday's game as they look to turn around that deficit. "Don took a little knock the other night, but he should be fine," Mackay told his club's official website. "We're also hoping to have Kevin in the squad. He did well with the physios on Saturday. "He will travel with us and was desperate to be involved on Thursday, though we knew it could have really hampered him longer term if he'd have gone out there to have a go." The Bluebirds are battling to avoid a third consecutive play-off disappointment having lost the 2010 Championship final to Blackpool before departing at this stage against Reading last term.