MALKY ON TOMMY, TOM & THE DERBY

"Having not been involved in a South Wales derby yet this is the next best thing," the Gaffer told Press on Friday morning.

"There is that little bit of extra spice for the fans and I love being involved in derby games. There is always a good atmosphere down at Ashton Gate as well, so we are looking forward to it.

"Derek (McInnes) has done well, I knew that he would. I think he has had a tough job there in terms of having to turn around a squad. You find people that are in contract that you don't feel are good enough to play for your team and gradually you try and change that. Derek is doing that; he has some backing that has been seen in the last week in terms of the money that has been spent. Bristol City is a good club and I think he will do well."

The two managers actually have a little history with each other that Malky addressed in his press conference too, adding: "We did our Pro Licenses together; we know each, played against each other, used to kick lumps out of each other with Celtic and Rangers reserves as well a long time ago! Now he has come to the English Leagues and we keep in touch here."

Another face the Cardiff City faithful will recognise on Saturday is that of Tom Heaton. The goalkeeper performed superbly as a Bluebird, most notably in last season's Carling Cup run. Heaton has joined the Robins as their number 1 for the coming season, something Malky was thrilled with for Tom.

"I'm delighted that he did get the chance because I know there was a situation at another club that was supposed to be done and dusted and because of the changeover left him a bit high. Derek asked me about him and I had no hesitation telling him what a good goalkeeper he was. He is someone that can easily walk into a Championship team and be comfortable as a goalkeeper; he's a great boy, good personality, and good trainer, with no end of talent so I was delighted he got his Championship move."

And it was during Friday's press conference that Malky announced new signing Tommy Smith as his eighth addition of the summer.

"Tommy is another player who, like two or three we have brought in, is flexible and can play on the right, left, in behind or up top and centrally.

"He has guile and can manipulate the ball well. I know the character of him, the type of person he is, the type of player he is, probably more than anybody in the squad I know him and I am delighted we have managed to get him in. He is someone that I targeted last season in January and now we have got our man. He has a wealth of experience, is someone that knows the division well and is a talented player.  I'm delighted we have got him."