CLARETS skipper Steven Caldwell says he and his defensive colleagues are ready to put the shackles on Cardiff's dynamic duo Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink this afternoon.

The Bluebirds' hitmen have both hit top gear for the Welsh side in recent weeks, with five goals between them, and will pose a significant threat to the visitors at Ninian Park.

But despite shipping six goals in their last three league games, Caldwell is convinced they can keep the former Premiership hot-shots at bay.

He said: "It will be interesting coming up against Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

"Robbie is probably one of the top British finishers of all time and I've been fortunate enough to play against him before.

"Jimmy is one of the best foreigners to come to our game and has conducted himself well as a role model, so I am looking forward to crossing paths with them.

"There have been big changes to the team this season, and I genuinely feel as though we are getting a better understanding now in defence."

And Scottish international Caldwell knows the defensive unit dare not have an off-day - or they could find themselves on the bench.

He added: "We know there are people now waiting in the wings to take our places if we let standards slip.

"Sometimes it's down to a little luck whether, as a defender, you get your rewards. Against Oldham recently, we didn't defend too great but got a clean sheet, whereas on another day, we defend well and concede two goals. I still think we are conceding too many goals.

"To be fair, the attacking players are banging the goals in for fun and if we can get back to where we should be then I can see us winning more games than losing.

"Clean sheets are the only thing a defender really cares about.

"The most important part of our job is to deny the opposition goals, and I think if you are doing things right and playing well, then the clean sheets will come.

"Once they do, I would hope they will come quickly, but for now we can look back and be disappointed to lose two goals to Bristol, Blackpool and Colchester.

"At the end of the day though, I suppose if we win 3-2 every week until the end of the season we will all be delighted."