Neil Warnock spoke at Cardiff City Stadium following the Bluebirds’ 2-1 win over Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.
Aden Flint sent City ahead on his competitive home debut after 52 minutes, before Matty Pearson equalised with five minutes of the 90 remaining and on his Bluebirds debut, substitute Isaac Vassell headed home a late winner.
“I thought the lads showed a lot of character today,” began Neil following the final whistle. “We had five debutants, but they grew into the game and a goal was really needed to dampen Luton’s enthusiasm.
“We had enough chances to score and make it a bit comfortable - but all credit to them - they kept going and took their one opportunity and made it hard work.
“The fans have gone home happy and they were brilliant again. The supporters never fail to amaze me.”
The Gaffer went on to praise a number of his players – including scorers Flint and Vassell – before revealing the positive mood in the dressing room.
“All credit to us,” he continued. “Junior [Hoilett] came on, looked positive and produced a great ball for Isaac [Vassell] to finish and it wasn’t just a scorer’s goal: with his first touch he ran 40/50 yards to close somebody down, then somebody else.
“I just feel there’s something in Isaac. He’s had a bad injury, which anybody can have, but he’s still got a lot to learn and a lot to prove. The same as young Gavin (Whyte) - I thought he did well for his first home game and Robert [Glatzel] and Alex Smithies played well too, so it was a pleasing day.
“Aden [Flint] has got the know-how of a striker in the opposition box: he always seems to find the ball and you can’t really coach it - he goes into the right areas and it was nice for him to chip in like that.
“Callum Paterson hasn’t played in pre-season really, so all credit to him for getting through the 90 minutes, so there’s massive pluses and the dressing room is really buzzing.”