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Cardiff City boss Russell Slade has revealed frontman, Sammy Ameobi , has seen his time at the club disrupted as he struggles with asthma.

Speaking to a meeting of fans, organised by the Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust, the Bluebirds’ boss said Ameobi, who is on season-long loan from Newcastle, had found himself struggling for breath at times and had other fitness issues.

But he insisted, following a change in medication, the 23-year-old was getting stronger and with new treatment his fitness was starting to improve.

Ameobi is using an inhaler as he deals with his symptoms and Slade confirmed he had often seen limited time on the pitch with Cardiff in a bid to help him with his condition.

Related:Cardiff City's Newcastle United loanee Sammy Ameobi welcomes Slade's efforts to work on temperament 'issues' as he targets starting spot

“When Sammy came to us there were one or two fitness issues. Unfortunately, one of things we had to address was medication,” said Slade.

“He is on new medication now and starting to look fresher, stronger, not struggling for his breath. He has an asthma problem, but that is being dealt with much better.

(Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“He’s had a change to his inhaler and he has altered his breathing patterns. Managing his pitch time has helped. Moving forward that has been a big thing for him.”

Since joining Cardiff, Ameobi has failed to make the impact many had expected from the Premier League player.

Slade has struggled to find a place for him in his starting side and to discover which is actually the best position to play Ameobi in.

The former England under-21 international has started just three Championship games for Cardiff and has appeared as a substitute 13 times.

He has managed just one goal for the Bluebirds so far, coming off the bench to find the net in Cardiff’s 2-0 win against Wolves back in August.

Ameobi’s situation has not been helped by the fact he was one of a number of Bluebirds players hit by a virus.