Youngster praised after solid debut

Teenage defender Chris Gunter may be set for an extended run in the Cardiff City first team after an impressive performance against QPR on Friday. 17 year old Gunter was called upon to fill the right back berth vacated by Kerrea Gilbert`s freak training ground accident and James Chambers` return to Watford. Jones put his faith in the highly rated youngster and was rewarded with a determined and capable performance.

Gunter was up against £10 million rated winger Lee Cook, recently identified as one of the brightest talents outside the Premiership and QPR were keen to test Gunter at every opportunity.
Gunter however was tactically sound and was aided by the experience of Scimeca and Purse who made huge efforts to give Gunter an option every time he was in possession. It was scarcely required as Gunter made assured clearances and good decisions whilst showing good touches to get forward when possible.

His manager Dave Jones praised Gunter for his debut:

'I was pleased for him, we're going to see a lot more from his play and he has a big future at this club'
'Chris did the right things, let nobody down, and will only get stronger. He did the simple things well.'

Jones confirmed he had been looking to bring in a more experienced defender on loan but had been unable to find a better player who was available despite making enquiries about 10 individuals. Gunter has proved he is capable and deserving of a role and while Jones will continue to search for better options and more squad depth, he need not be pressure into signing a player as a panic measure and any new loan player is sure to have the right calibre to improve the squad.

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