Cardiff City: Gilbert v Gunter

Cardiff City's on-loan Arsenal defender Kerrea Gilbert has fallen out of favour at Ninian Park in recent months.

The 19 year old made an impressive start to the season with the Bluebirds. Whilst his positional awareness was not always perfect, his determination and attacking intent shone through and he made the right back position his own.

A sending off against Norwich and a couple of minor injuries have restricted Gilberts appearances but in recent weeks he has been overlooked for no apparent reason and his place taken by 17 year old hot prospect Chris Gunter.


Gunter has looked extremely impressive and one for the future. Recently awarded 'apprentice of the year' in light on his improvements, Gunter is now first choice defender at right back, while Kevin McNaughton fills in at centre-back.

It seems likely that Dave Jones has been rotating the two youngsters so as to avoid any burn-out in them. Both are playing more regularly than at any other point in their careers and a promotion race is a big ask pressure-wise.

Gunter's devensive qualities are impressive, while Gilbert has the edge in terms of attacking. Cardiff need to go out and win games, but it seems that with the attack-minded Joe Ledley on the left, Dave Jones is opting for the added defensive security on the right.


Kerrea Gilbert expressed an interest in moving to Ninian Park permanently, any summer move would leave Cardiff with two excellent full-back prospects.

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