Cardiff City's Serious Centre-Back Surplus

Cardiff City dipped into the transfer market on deadline day just once to wrap up the signing of centre-half Ben Turner from Coventry City. He is a good prospect, but eyebrows were raised when Mackay opted to strengthen that particular area, rather than the midfield and attacking positions - both of which look weaker.

Turner will surely be in a good position to start the majority of matches for Cardiff City after the International break. Mark Hudson and Anthony Gerrard have started every league game so far and both will be hoping to retain their place in the XI.

In addition to those top three centre-halfs, Cardiff City also have Israeli International Dekel Keinan available for selection. Keinan joined in January from Blackpool, for a fee of around £400k - featuring heavily in the Bluebirds run-in. He will surely be bitterly disappointed to be left out of the first team.

Another centre-half on the books is experienced Hungarian and former Wolves man Gabor Gyepes. He has played regularly for City since joining from Northampton Town, but fell out with Dave Jones and remains our of favour - despite a powerful headed goal in the 5-3 league cup win over Huddersfield Town.

Youngster Darcy Blake has covered the centre-half position to good effect, while Kevin McNaughton too can operate there when injuries/suspensions necessitate. Teenager Alex Evans provides another possibility.

It's surely not possible to incorporate all the above options in the squad, especially one so short on numbers as Cardiff City. It seems likely that one or two of the defenders will now leave - with Gyepes the most obvious departure, and Dekel Keinan also expected to push for a move away in search of first team football.

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