MALONE: CUP PROGRESS IS ESSENTIAL

Scott Malone talks Cup prospects and 2016 form...

Cardiff City full-back Scott Malone feels that success in the FA Cup can offer a sound platform for the Bluebirds to deliver in the Sky Bet Championship in 2016.

Speaking to press and media ahead of Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup third round tie with Shrewsbury Town, Scott looked ahead to the game and cited a tough test against a side City faced not that long ago.

“Shrewsbury are a good side, we played them pre-season,” he reflected. “They were a very good team and pushed us all the way, although I know you can’t read too much into pre-season games.

“The FA Cup is a nice competition. Just look at what Salford did playing against league sides in the early rounds; Stourbridge, local to me, got to the second round too. It’s a good competition and provides a platform for what you do in the League as well. Everybody wants a good run, to get through the rounds and play in the big games.

“Of course, if you don’t play well on Sunday then you can’t expect to play Wednesday. That’s the end of it – we all know that. We’ll be going out there and giving it everything.”

The Bluebirds got back to winning ways last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Cardiff City Stadium.

And Scott feels that the three points were the least City deserved after a frustrating festive period.

“We’ve been performing well recently,” said the defender. “At MK Dons I thought we had most of the game, ball and chances – but they beat us. At Birmingham and Forest it was much of the same – we had the performances without the victories.

“Blackburn was positive last time out though and hopefully there’s more to come. We’re not far away and we’re having the chances; there’s not a lot in it. We have a great core here with great spirit.”

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