TURNER: WE'VE ONLY GOT STRONGER

 

And with the Whites having made three big changes to the squad on transfer deadline day, Ben expects this to spur them on in their game against Malky Mackay’s side.

 

"I think they changed a few players around yesterday on the last day of the transfer window so there will be a few really trying to impress," said Ben.

 

"They’ve lost Becchio which I know they won’t be happy about, but at the same time they’ve brought in Steve Morison who is proven in the Championship. I remember him from when he was in the Championship before and he’s very effective at this level. Obviously it didn’t quite work out for him at Norwich for whatever reason but I don’t think Leeds will have been weakened by the business they have done.

 

"I think everyone expected Leeds to put a run together at some point. They are a big club, the atmosphere at their ground is one of the best that you will go to and you can sense it’s a special place. They are one of those clubs where if they can get a run together they will build momentum. They’ve been steady this season but they are a decent side.

"Like I said, when you go and play at Leeds you get that extra edge of what the place is about. The fans get behind the team and it gives them wind in their sails. They can be 1-0 down at home and still be coming at you because the fans demand it and it’s a very difficult place to go."

Despite a quiet deadline day for Malky Mackay, the City defender is impressed with the strength of the current squad at Cardiff City Stadium including new signings Fraizer Campbell and Simon Lappin. 

"I think it’s the strongest squad we’ve had since I’ve been here and the feeling is good," he continued. "Not just in terms of ability, but a lot of people have said that in terms of togetherness and work rate we're strong too. We’ve got no lazy players, or players who aren’t willing to do everything possible for their team-mates.

"By signing the two first-team players that we have I think we’ve strengthened further. Fraizer Campbell has played for England and that speaks for itself.

"With signing Simon Lappin, the fans won’t have seen too much of him yet but he’s a very good left back in my opinion. I played with him in one game at Birmingham and I’ve trained with him a lot - he’s a very accomplished footballer. He’s tidy on the ball, can defend and hits a good ball and I think he’s exactly the sort of player we’re looking for as we were probably had short numbers in terms of the back four. He ticks that box, but he’s also a very good player so I’m looking forward to working with him further."

 

"Like the Gaffer says, we’ve got to take it game by game," Ben added. "There are eighteen games left and if we break them down into individuals it will go quite quick. Once you get past Christmas in a season it seems to accelerate, though if you start thinking too far ahead of the next game you will come unstuck.

"Our next game is Leeds and we want that ten point cushion back."