Cardiff midfielder Riccardo Scimeca believes playing in the FA Cup final will make up for his season of injury heartache.

More Stories

• Purse reprieve for Cup final
• Fowler won't be rushed for final

Scimeca managed his first 90 minutes of the campaign in Saturday's 3-3 draw at Burnley and could start against Barnsley on Sunday after a season dogged by fitness concerns.

"The year has been so frustrating in reaching a level of fitness and then breaking down again," Scimeca told the Western Mail. "Each time I would pick myself up, work hard and then suffer a setback.

"That happened four times. It's more than simply a physical problem because the mental side of things is just as tough. It has been incredibly draining.

"But I feel so much better now and I'm really looking forward to the last couple of matches this season, finishing with the FA Cup final.

"Fitness-wise, it's now going well. I've been able to come back, train every day for almost two months and play in matches."