By Jon Colman

Last updated 13:10, Thursday, 07 August 2008

Michael Bridges today insisted he is ready for Carlisle United’s big League One opener at Bristol Rovers despite boss John Ward’s concerns over the loan star’s sharpness.

Michael Bridges

The striker says he is ready to start for the Blues at the Memorial Stadium and help Ward’s side get off to a flier in the new League One campaign.

Bridges’ declaration follows Ward’s claims after Monday’s friendly defeat at Workington Reds when he said the Hull City loanee still needed to get “stronger and fitter” ahead of the 2008/9 campaign.

However, the 30-year-old also acknowledged that pre-season surprise package Danny Carlton was breathing down his neck for a role in Saturday’s curtain-raiser.

“Danny’s had a good pre-season and scored a few goals, and it will be interesting to see what the manager does after the last couple of games,” said Bridges. “But I’m ready.

“I want to play and I want to get started. I’ve got a bit of history at Bristol Rovers – a few of my old mates are down there, Darryl Duffy and Danny Coles, and it will be nice to get one over on them.”

Bridges has featured in United’s last four friendlies but the Reds game was his first 90 minutes of first-team action since his time with Australian outfit Sydney FC last winter.

The former Leeds and Sunderland ace said it will not be long before he is firing on all cylinders at the start of his second spell at Brunton Park.

“Physically, I’m as fit as anything. The manager and backroom staff have seen me running and I’ve always had good lungs,” he said.

“I said from day one that the only thing I need is games. It’s a totally different ball game between physical fitness and that sharpness in a match.

“It’s a fine line. The last time I came here with Simmo and Dennis Booth, it took me four or five games to get myself ticking properly. I’m getting there and I’ll be ready.”