Callum O’Dowda, who had a difficult season with Cardiff City due to injuries in 2023–24, says he feels “really good.”
Only five Championship starts were given to the Republic of Ireland international in Erol Bulut’s rookie season with the Bluebirds.
But following a successful preseason, the 29-year-old returned to play for the entirety of Cardiff’s 2024–25 league opener against Sunderland, having fully recovered from his groin injury.
“I played the first four games (of last season) in a lot of pain and it was coming to the fourth game where I wasn’t able to do certain things,” he said.
“I lost some time during the scan because there were a few difficulties.
Returning to it was a little difficult. It was quite difficult when I felt anything during the first training session after returning. I missed more time out.
“I’d say at the back end of last season, I had good time to work on certain areas of my body and make sure I could make myself robust going into this season.”
Pilates and yoga were crucial to O’Dowda’s difficult recuperation from his injuries.
The Irishman is now vying to be a crucial part of Cardiff’s development under Bulut, whose team has chosen a more possession-based strategy this year, after having returned to top physical form.
O’Dowda adds that he is a wonderful fit for the Bluebirds’ style of play.
“It’s going to take time because we have signed players late and we’re probably going to sign more players as well,” he stated.
“But playing in it is enjoyable.
“In training games and I’d say watching, being involved, it’s a joy to play in, whether it’s playing out from the back, the final third combinations and the final delivery, it’s good to play in.”
