Malky Mackay praises Heidar Helguson ahead of his 'retirement'

Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay expects top scorer Heidar Helguson's professional career to end as the Bluebirds contemplate life in the Premier League.

Injury denies Helguson, 35, a final run-out when they travel to promotion-chasing Hull on Saturday.

"I believe he might be semi-retiring back to Iceland… that was always the plan," said Mackay.

However, striker Nicky Maynard could return from an eight-month absence.

Mackay brought in Helguson ahead of the 2012-13 campaign that has seen them win the Championship title.

Maynard's absence with a knee injury gave veteran Helguson the chance to play more often than either he or Mackay had expected.

Helguson repaid Mackay with nine goals, and prompted the manager to describe his contribution as "absolutely huge, on and off the pitch"

The Scotsman added: "He's probably played a lot more than he thought he was going to play.

"I think with Nicky Maynard being out injured, he's the man that really stepped up to the plate and was that battering ram for us.

"And his overall contribution, not just in goals scored, but it's about the contribution he makes to other people in goals and the front to the team that he is.

"He's absolutely the type of guy I'd fill a club with. I've got great admiration for him and what he's done in his career."

Maynard tore an anterior cruciate ligament three games into his Cardiff career.

Mackay says the 26-year-old will be on the bench for the Bluebirds' last game of the season against the Tigers.

With Hull chasing the second automatic promotion spot, Mackay is pledging to field his strongest team.

Another of the season's recruits, striker Fraizer Campbell, is close to a return after five games on the sidelines because of a shin injury.