Cardiff City star Junior Hoilett steps up his pre-season preparations and insists the Bluebirds can make impact in Premier League
Winger has taken a personal trainer with him to Spain to return to Cardiff in top shape ahead of tough return to top flight next term
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JUNIOR HOILETT insists Cardiff City can follow in the footsteps of last year's promoted sides and beat the drop.
The Canadian forward is currently in Majorca getting into shape for pre-season training ahead of a huge season for the Welsh side, who return to the Premier League after four years in the Championship.
Newcastle, Brighton and Huddersfield defied the critics last year to survive relegation and the 28-year-old is confident the Bluebirds can do the same.
Hoilett exclusively told SunSport: “After finishing mid-table in my first season, no one thought we would do what we did last year.
“Against all odds no one expected us to go up last season and we will aim to have a good season back in the Premier League.
“We take it as motivation to prove people wrong - that’s the aim, to prove all the doubters wrong.”
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Instead of resting ahead of the gruelling campaign, Hoilett and pal former Swansea man Jonathan de Guzman have taken personal trainers to Spain for some intense warm-weather sessions before reporting back for pre-season.
He added: “I thought I needed some extra training in a different environment away from distractions.
“Back home it's good to train, but you always have your family there or people around that will take up your time.
“So I’d rather get my head down out here with Jonathan who brought a trainer out here to work with us.
“We've had some really good sessions and our trainer has pushed us to the limit with some intense one-on-one sessions.
“I just want to get fit heading into training with Cardiff, I don’t want to feel like I’m behind.
“The Premier League is going to be a different challenge, it will be a lot harder than it was last season, I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m preparing myself for it as best I can.”
Boss Neil Warnock has already beefed up his attacking options adding Josh Murphy from Norwich and Bobby Reid from Bristol City.
The ex-QPR winger is excited about the new additions but is keen for Aron Gunnarsson to pen a new deal at the club.
The Iceland international is out of contract with the Bluebirds, with a new deal on the table yet to be signed.
Hoilett continued:“He’s massive, not only on the pitch but off it as well in terms of team morale, he keeps us together and he is great to have around and the fans love him.
“It will be a massive bonus to us if he stays and helps us in the Premier League next season.”
Hoilett came to prominence at Blackburn Rovers in 2012, but a big move to Loftus Road later that year turned sour as the winger struggled with form and fitness.
The winger, who recently signed a new deal with the Welsh side firmly believes he is back to his best.
Hoilett said: “I think I had one of my best seasons last year, the manager helped me a lot, gave me the confidence to play well and I’ve been working hard to get back to my best.
“Football is about confidence and I’m in a confident place right now, but when someone takes that way from you, it's hard work that helps you get back to where you want to be and show people the ability you have.
"I’m in a good space right now, I’m happy at Cardiff and I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Cardiff kick-off the new season with a trip to Bournemouth on August 11.