Boro Boss Mowbray Hails Cardiff City Stars

Cardiff City host Middlesbrough today with Tony Mowbray's in-form side looking to extend their lead over the Bluebirds and take a firm hold on an automatic promotion place. However, despite yesterday winning the Manager-of-the-Month award, Mowbray reckons the onus will be on Cardiff to secure the win and Boro can approach the game without pressure.


Mowbray also spoke of the individuals available to Malky Mackay but insisted his side are confident and ready any battle the Bluebirds may try to stir up at the CCS. Speaking to gazettelive.co.uk Mowbray commented:


"I think there is a little bit of pressure on Cardiff to do well this season. They have had a lot of investment in their team and are doing well. But that pressure comes along with every week and every match and we will try and add a little bit to that."

"Cardiff put the ball in your box a lot and have got a fabulous delivery from set pieces with Whittingham`s left foot."

"They have got a lot of physicality in their centre-halves with Turner and Hudson and Craig Noone is on fire at the moment. Heidar Helguson has scored goals against us in the past as well, so we have to be very resilient."



Mowbray is undoubtedly trying to shift the focus away from his high-flying side and also play towards the mental frailties that have dogged City in recent years. One such result was undoubtedly a major contributor to the dismissal of Dave Jones, when Boro thrashed a desperately poor City side in a high-pressure encounter. The Bluebirds were awful and that results was the epitomy of us 'bottling it' - a label that is becoming synonymous with the Bluebirds!

This will be a very difficult encounter where fitness of personnel, early goals or momentum could all play a big part. Whilst both teams have either home ofrm or general form to suggest they should be going all out for the win - I suspect both managers would definitely take a draw right now.

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