'It can be a big season for Cantwell' - Ismael
Ismael: "We still have some work to do"
- Published
Blackburn Rovers boss Valerien Ismael said that midfielder Todd Cantwell has returned to fitness and will be available for their upcoming Championship match against Birmingham City on Saturday (15:00 BST).
The 27-year-old missed out on the opening defeat against West Bromwich Albion, but played 27 minutes in the side's loss to Bradford City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
"He can be a technical leader on the pitch. He's got all the potential to do that. So now it's all about his fitness," Ismael told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"I think he made a great pre-season. He just had a little setback last week, but now he's back, so hopefully he can stay fit.
"It might be a big season for him and he's very motivated to do that."
However, the Frenchman said that it's "too early" for defender Hayden Carter to make an appearance despite returning to training after suffering a hamstring injury in July.
Ismael added: "Carter trained with the squad for two days now, but it's too early for the game."