Connolly Certainly Competent As Cardiff City's RB

Cardiff City named centre-half Matthew Connolly as the right back last night with Kevin Mcnaughton dropped to the bench and allowing Ben Turner to return to the starting line up for the fuirst time since the 0-0 draw with Brighton 2 months ago.

Connolly had previously played every minute of his Cardiff City career as a centre-half alongside Mark Hudson. However, he was certainly brought in as cover across the entire back-four - a versatility we had relied on from young Darcy Blake who was then allowed to join Crystal Palace.

Connolly has operated as a full-back for QPR, and as a former Arsenal player is a good footballer too. Nevertheless, it was good to see him looking comfortable in a wider role and he certainly proved he is a viable option to deputise there. Further, he may be preferable to Talyor/McNaughton in situations whereby we name attacking line-ups with his added solidity and aerial prowess a useful attribute when attacking can be left to Noone, Smith, Bellamy and co.

Connolly was solid in defence, and linked well with Smith and Noone at times. He put in some decent crosses, got to the by-line on occasions and showed a good footballing ability in what is not his most comfortable position.

Whilst Helguson is not the biggest striker, he is a menace in the box and a real threat in the air. We have a dead ball speciailist in Peter Whittingham and no Championship defence will enjoy defending corners/free-kicks when our attack is joined by Turner, Hudson and Connolly from the back!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.