Is Liam Lawrence The Answer For Cardiff City ?!?

Cardiff City are considering bringing former loan player Liam Lawrence back to the club next season after a useful loan spell whereby Irishman Lawrence became an important player in making 13 appearances at the back end of last season.

The player has confirmed that CCFC are interested, and he would be open to a switch to the Bluebirds. malky Mackay has intimated that Lawrence is certainly a target, but is also not looking to tie up a deal imminently.

After leaving cash-strapped Portsmouth, Lawrence looked an experienced and high quality acquisition by Mackay. However, he arrived with a slight calf niggle and struggled somewhat with match sharpness. Whilst he work-rate was unquestionable, his passing was off and he took time to get used to the lopsided formation City had adopted.

The former Mansfield town man did improve, and was a tidy and assured presence in midfield, though he certainly looked more comfortable wide on the right rather than in the 'tuck-in` role we required. The most important attribute Lawrence brought was leadership and an ability to drive his team-mates forward. As a team, City lacked a cutting edge, and often all our passing was done in areas where we couldn`t hurt opponents. Lawrence, of all our midfield, recognised this and tried to inject a forward impetus and driving force into our attacks.

At 30, Lawrence is certainly capable of contributing in the Championship, but questions remain over whether he is the right person to bolster our midfield options. Don Cowie is also a very tidy passer, with a fantastic engine - while the likes of Whittingham, Gunnarsson and Kiss are now joined by exciting young prospect Jordon Mutch competing for midfield places with youngster Joe Ralls also looking to compete. Stephen McPhail will also contribute as determined by fitness - but when available, he is a very good player and a favourite of Mackay`s.

Malky Mackay also looks certain to utilise pace and width better next season with Craig Conway, Kadeem Harris and another winger likely to join shortly.

While Lawrence would add depth, experience and a calming influence in midfield - we as a team lack the flair, pace and creativity to change games in an instant. We often struggled when teams nullified Whittingham`s threat so alternative options to make chances must be a priority.

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