OLE: TIME TO RESPOND

City boss fully focused on tough Saints test

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has seen the response he was looking for from his players this week, following last weekend’s disappointing result against Crystal Palace.

With five games remaining for the Bluebirds to claim the points required for Barclays Premier League survival, City travel to Southampton and St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday determined to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat and spark a final push for safety.

Speaking ahead of City’s clash with Saints, Ole said: “It did hurt them, we hold our hands up it wasn’t good enough, but I’m sure we’ll see a response on Saturday. You sometimes need something to galvanise you - that was there in training this week and I’m sure we’ll see a reaction.

“We’ve got to believe in it and give 100%. The lads have shown that belief this week and will go into the game on Saturday with the fight needed to get a result. I hate losing, I don’t like losing. It’s about getting the job done for Cardiff City, the players, the fans, everyone.

“I’ve got absolutely no reason to doubt any of my players. Their professionalism, loyalty and integrity is there. Saturday will be tough, but we’re ready for it.”

The news that Craig Noone will most probably miss the rest of the season through injury came as an untimely blow to the City manager in the week, with striker Kenwyne Jones also a doubt for Saturday’s trip to the South Coast.

“Craig is a fantastic player, he’s great in the dressing room and has had a fantastic season,” said Ole. “We’ve got to try and find a way of working without him now though because he’s a big part of our squad.

“Kenwyne Jones took a really bad whack against Crystal Palace to his kidneys. He’s getting tested today and we should know if he’s available for tomorrow.”

Turning his thoughts to City’s opponents on Saturday, Ole praised the performance of Mauricio Pochettino’s side in their second season back in the top flight, saying: “Southampton deserve to be where they are because they’re a great club. We can look at them and take inspiration because they play a brand of football that I’d really, really like to see my team play.

“We can sit here for hours and talk about Southampton, we know what kind of side they are. It’s a tough challenge, but that’s been my focus all week.

“We need to make sure that the fans know that we do appreciate them because they’ve been absolutely incredible, we need to show that in our performances. It’ll be tough but we’re ready for it.”

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