Right-Back Worries For Cardiff City

Cardiff City face an anxious wait ahead of tomorrow's clash with Middlesbrough with a serious question over who will be taking the right-back position alongside Hudson, Turner and Taylor.

Matthew Connelly has been the recent incumbent of the role, but was forced to miss last week's 2-1 win over Hull City with injury. That meant a recall for Kevin McNaughton but left the Bluebirds' bench lacking defensive cover with teenager Ben Nugent the only option and predominantly a left-back or centre-half.

Unfortunately for the player and the team, McNaughton was forced off and clearly in distress. He went down in the centre-cirel with what appeared a hamstring pull. He managed to hobble off, but inexplicably returned to the field for a further few minutes. CCredit to him for wanting to continue, but no pro side ever takes risks with hamstring injuries and we nearly conceded a goal when the crocked McNaughton was left stranded by Hull's Aluko.

Aron Gunnarsson was forced to fill-in, and did a solid enough job. However, he's not really a viable option other than in emergencies. Don Cowie, even, could be an emergency right-back - he certainly has the engine to support in attack and likes to keep his passing simple but he too is currently out injured.

Early signs are that Matthew Connelly could be fit to play - that would be a huge boost. Kevin McNaughton is highly doubtful so Mackay may opt for the versatile young defender Deji Oshilaja on the bench - he has impressed in the development games and looks to have great potential but it would be a big ask to step in, especially against the in-form Boro!

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