RUSSELL: UPBEAT WITH STEADY PROGRESS

Manager cites defensive quality as bedrock on which to build

Cardiff City Boss Russell Slade reflected on the steady progression his side has made in recent weeks ahead of Tuesday evening’s trip to Wigan Athletic.

 

The Bluebirds have drawn their last four Sky Bet Championship fixtures, conceding just twice during that time. Their latest midweek clash sees them travel to the DW Stadium, looking to complete a double over the Latics after Nicky Maynard’s goal secured three points in the return fixture back in August.

 

“Our job is to do everything we can to win [at Wigan] and hopefully that will help us get a run going,” said Russell ahead of the game. “We are making life difficult for the opposition right now and staying strong at the back, but we must get the win we need."

 

"There is an honesty and a good attitude about the performances. We’re getting in some good crosses and are creating chances. Overall, it was frustrating that we didn’t come away with the three points [from Huddersfield].

 

"The goals aren't coming for us just now, but if we keep playing the way we are then the wins will come. I felt positive going into the Huddersfield match and I feel positive ahead of Tuesday’s game at Wigan. We are making progress."

 

The Manager also had good news in terms of those recovering from injury – Fábio da Silva and Federico Macheda in particular.

 

He said:"Fábio and Kiko could be back in the Group for Tuesday. It's going to be close, but they have made good progress from their injuries.

 

"There is a composure about us [in defence]; we don't panic when things don't go our way.”

“The loss of Scott Malone might have caused us a problem on the weekend, but we still looked solid at the back when Matt Connolly came on. It looks like we'll be without Scott for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury, but we'll need to wait for a scan to see the extent of the damage. I thought Lee Peltier did very well when he moved to left-back, though.