Marshall Set For Cardiff City Return

Cardiff City host Preston North End tomorrow in a match that sees former number 1 David Marshall return to the starting line-up in place of the injured Tom Heaton, who fell awkwardly in training and is out for a month.

Marshall has been out of sorts ever since struggling in the Wembley play-off final defeat where he looked nervous and put in his worst performance of his Bluebirds career. That shakiness carried through into this year, and he made horrendous blunders with mis-kicks even in the pre-season games.

Towards the end of September, Dafve Jones lost patience with him and with Heaton between the posts, City went on a 7 game unbeaten run including 6 wins. Heaton has made the shirt his own, and deservedly overtook Marshall as number One.

However, Marshall was actually a very good player last year, and is certainly the steadiest keeper we'd signed in a long while. He is a good shot stopper and has pulled off some outstanding saves during his stint in South Wales.

Whilst crosses and command of his area are weaknesses - Marshall remains a quality Championship goalkeeper and his poor form this term are likely due to a lack of confidence. He has waited patiently for a return to action, and will be determined to put in a good performance. The Cardiff fans must get behind the Scotsman - he has never before played with the expected back four of Naylor-Hudson-Blake-McNaughton.

Cardiff City do not have a third senior goalkeeper after Erwin Sak and Jordan Santiago were released during last season. Jones may name a youngster on the bench, or opt to utilise an extra outfield player as the seventh substitute.

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