Cowie Impresses In Cardiff City Central Role

Cardiff City midfielder Don Cowie is a favourite of Malky Mackay who acted swiftly to persuade the Scotsman to follow him from Watford to Cardiff City last year. Cowie has become an important player for the Bluebirds, starting most games but sometimes featuring from the bench in recent weeks due to the strength of Mackay`s squad.

Despite a phenomenal work rate and good pedigree, Cowie has struggled at times to find a natural role in the side. He has been used mostly in a wide right position, but never looked comfortable and often opted to move infield. We had struggled for pace and width at times and Cowie`s inclusion began to look like somewhat of a luxury.

However, the emergence of Noone and Kim, along with the natural width provided by (currently injured pair) Bellamy and Tommy Smith has certainly addressed the issue of pace, creativity and width in wide areas. Instead of consigning Cowie to bench duty, the inclusion of those exciting widemen prompted Mackay to switch Cowie to a more central role. It`s a move that had long been considered, but with peter Whittingham currently operating in that position - a Whitts/Cowie duo looks too lightweight to cope with Championship football.

The last two games have seen the City midfield play extremely well and Don Cowie has been a big part of that. He has been tidy in possession, and with Whitts and the widemen offering easy options - Cowie is not needed to be particularly creative. Instead, he collects loose balls, puts opponents under pressure and is an assured presence. It was tough on Icelandic International Aron Gunnarsson to lose his place - but Cowie has justified his selection with two typically busy and tidy performances.

Doubts will remain over a Cowie/Whitts partnership, and especially away from home. However, it remains a further sign of the versatility and quality available to Malky Mackay to rotate and freshen his squad. In recent games, Don Cowie has looked as comfortable as he ever has done since making an impressive start in his first few games. If he could just add a few more goals from midfield - he would further strengthen his case to make the starting XI.

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