Cardiff City In Limbo Over Defensive Dilemma

Cardiff City fans will be desperately hoping that Roger Johnson is passed fit to feature in tomorrow's trip to Southampton after the towering defender tweaked his groin during the 0-0 draw against QPR. This game represents an excellent chance for three points with Southampton struggling at the wrong end of the table. However, with Gabor Gyepes missing Wednesday's match, we could be really struggling and rely on a makeshift defence tomorrow should neither recover.

Johnson is a popular figure at Ninian park and has been one of the real success stories of Dave Jones' time at Ninian Park. After breaking into the first team, he has gone from strength to strength forming partnerships with Loovens and Gyepes to great effect. One thing is sure, if he can play he will as Roger is a committed player who would be reluctant to leave the field even if he's broken his leg! Many is the time he's played through the pain barrier but groin injuries are not to be risked meaning we could be looking at a very shaky defensive line.

Should neither of our first choice centre-halves be available, Dave Jones will face a difficult choice in who should partner the experienced Darren Purse. Kevin McNaughton is almost certain to miss out (Comminges will deputise). That would mean that either Darcy Blake or the untried Darren Dennehy would play in defence - neither has featured there for the first team save for a few minutes as a substitute for Darcy Blake - he does feel that's his best position but Blake has not played very much for City, and is usually used as a right back!

This is a very important game, if we have to use youngsters then so be it but if Roger Johnson or Gabor Gyepes could recvover - that would be helpful...!

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