Cardiff City Return For Darcy Blake

Cardiff City may welcome back a former Bluebird today if ex-player Darcy Blake is included in Crystal Palace's matchday squad for today's Boxing Day clash.

Blake left the Bluebirds earlier this season after becoming disillusioned with his regular role as a back-up or squad player. Few could blame Darcy, who always did well either in midfield, his favoured centre-half position, or in his more usual right-back role. Nevertheless, he was never able to break into the starting XI and Malky Mackay opted to allow him to leave in favour of bringing fellow versatile defender Matthew Connolly to the club.

Unfortunately for Blake in his new start, the manager who brought him in (Dougie Freedman) soon departed to take charge at Bolton Wanderers and Blake has started just one game since early October - though injury and illness have restricted his appearances under new boss Ian Holloway.

With Damien Delaney suspended after a bad tackle and straight red against Huddersfield last week - another former Bluebird Danny Gabbidon is expected to start the game for Palace. His place on the bench could well be taken by Darcy Blake - who is close to a return following illness. He will certainly be familiar with a view from the bench at CCS - though this time it will be the other side of the halfway line. Blake is likely to get a good reception today, but his future at club and International level remains under doubt.

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