Omer Riza spoke to the press after Cardiff City’s 2-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United.
“It was a tough game, and we knew we were heading into a tough game,” Omer began. “We put out a team that we felt could try and cause problems, and I think we contained them quite well and made it 0-0 at half time, and we thought we could get a draw or even nick a win.
"However, a moment of class puts us on the back foot, and then the second goal comes from us trying to get something out of the game. It’s disappointing at the end, but the better team won.
“In general, I thought we worked hard and the boys showed good endeavour and good levels of intensity. Those are the things we spoke about needing to have when we play at home. But we come away with a defeat and we have to pick ourselves up and take the positives from the game, because they were some that we can take into the Oxford game.”
There was a late league debut for Academy product Ronan Kpakio, with the manager keen to praise the young defender.
“Ronan is a good young prospect who is doing very well in the Academy. Because of our injuries we have no cover at right back, so we have to play a midfielder in that position because he has energy and can do the role well, but if anything happens and we need to move Andy back across, we need to have a plan.
“So, we wanted to give Ronan a chance because it’s his natural position and has the ability to play that position well. He came on and did well for us and I’m happy for him that he got his league debut.”
Omer concluded by providing injury updates for a number of First Team players.
“Chris [Willock] hurt his hip flexor. He tried to get out for the second half, but he just couldn’t run, so that has to be assessed this week.
“Callum [O'Dowda] missed out after picking up an injury in the last game against Stoke. Rallsy has hurt his glute, so we have to assess that one. We will see if they’ll be back for the Oxford game, but they’ll probably be doubtful.
“Perry [Ng] and Ollie [Tanner] won’t be back for the Oxford game. Depending on how they come through the week, they could potentially be back for the Watford game or the one after.”