MAYNARD: BEST I'VE FELT IN YEARS

Despite the goal coming against his former teammates Maynard was happier with the three points than adding a goal to his personal tally.

“It’s often the player coming back to haunt their former club, but first and foremost it was just good to get the win,” he said after the game. “It didn’t matter who scored, obviously it was nice to get on the score sheet, but hopefully we can continue getting these wins. It doesn’t matter what the score line is as long as we get three points on the table.”

Maynard believes that he and the squad know what it takes to return to the Premier League and the positive start to the new season can only help, saying, “Consistency is the key in terms of getting out of this league. Winning at home and avoiding defeat away is vital, hopefully that will continue Saturday at Wolves. We have had a good pre-season, we have done what we have needed to do and a positive result against VFL Wolfsburg really set the tone.” 

Nicky talked up the mood in the camp, saying, “The team morale has been great. We feel good in training; we have a great squad with good depth that allows fresh legs to come in when needed. I think this is showing at the minute.

“It’s only good for us. If we are on the top of our game we will get the nod and if not we will have to sit it out. The main thing is to get the three points, the competition is only going to beneficial to the team.”

Maynard seems to be reaping the benefits of having a former world-class striker at the helm. That combined with an injury free start to the season has left him in a confident frame of mind that both his personal and team goals will be reached.

“I’ve not had any niggling injuries pre-season and I have been managed well,” he admitted. “The start of this season is the best I have felt for a few years and long may that continue. I want to stay injury free and go on a goal scoring run.

“I’m chomping at the bit to get as much game time and as many goals as I can for Cardiff City.”