By Sean Wozencroft
July 30 2003

Peter Thorne does not need an operation to cure the foot injury which saw him miss our pre-season tour. The striker was accidentally kicked in training, but scans showed that he does not require surgery to rectify the problem.

Thorney is still unable to train and will miss tomorrow's match at Cambridge. Gavin Gordon is likely to take his place in the starting line-up after putting in a solid performance against IFK Malmo on Wednesday.

Thorney's injury, which could yet mean that he misses the opening league game at Rotherham, means that Lennie Lawrence's search for a quality forward is all the more important. "We need a striker of the right quality who is available," said the City boss.

"He also has to come at the right price in terms of a fee and for wages which come within our budget, while he must also want to play for Cardiff City.

"Clearly, there are not too many players who fit all of those criteria."

Lennie may have to wait until just before the start of the season before bringing someone in on loan, possibly Charlton's Matt Svensson. But that is not ideal and he would like to sign someone before then to give the player a chance to settle in and get used to his new teammates. Cambridge's Dave Kitson remains a target.