EX-BLUEBIRD Steven Thompson is relishing a reunion with former team-mates tonight.

The striker is still in contact with plenty of the Cardiff City squad, who he left behind three months ago to join Burnley.

But text messages have been exchanged more frequently in the build-up to tonight’s showdown between fourth and fifth.

“They’re in a strong position like ourselves, and are very much looking at the play-offs,” said the Clarets striker.

“With the new stadium and training ground it’s a big year for Cardiff. They’re looking to shoot themselves into the Premiership and are making a push.

“They do have the quality to be a top-six team, without a doubt, so it will be a real battle.

“They’ve got players who are quite special, and we need to watch them,” added Thompson, who singled out Michael Chopra for particular attention.

The duo formed an excellent partnership after Chopra arrived at Ninian Park in the summer of 2006, and a return of 22 league goals led to Sunderland paying £5million for his services the following year.

But after failing to feature in former Black Cats boss Roy Keane’s plans he went back to Ninian Park on loan last month, and Thompson warned: “Chops is a player of extreme quality, and he and I had a great six or seven-month period together.

“He’s a very intelligent player, and someone we need to watch.”

Thompson knows Burnley’s 12-goal leading scorer, Martin Paterson, can be just as dangerous.

“Michael is different from Martin; they’re both goalscorers, but different kinds of players,” he said.

“Martin has definitely impressed me an awful lot since I joined the club, he’s got the potential to have a very big career.”