Cardiff's Jones' Positional Issues

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones has revealed his relief at at least getting a home point even if he was disappointed not to get all three.


Jones also believes that things will get better for his injury-ravaged Bluebirds and told BBC Sport of his difficulties in certain positions.


'If we're going to take any consolation it's that we've stopped the rot here, which was becoming a little bit annoying.'

'At the moment we're trying to put one or two square pegs in round holes.'


Jones is almost certainly referring to the troublesome centre-back position. It is a competitive area for Cardiff and we have 3 strong contenders for two positions. However, a foot injury picked up in training sees Loovens out, while the experienced Darren Purse suffered an infection after a knee operation delaying his comeback.


The square peg refers to Kevin McNaugton, a full-back covering admirably at centre half despite a slight physique, lack of height and having only recently returned to full training after a groin strain. His inclusion at CB meant a start at right-back for Trevor Sinclair on Saturday, with teenage rookie Gunter rested.


Roger Johnson suffred concussion after receiving a smack to his head and leaving the pitch on a stretcher - although he should be OK to resume training this week.


We are stronger than last season, but have injuries and lack of cover in key positions with injuries to first team regulars such as Loovens, Purse, Scimeca and MacLean as well as Fowler and Hasselbaink struggling for full match sharpness up-front and Thompson and McNaughton being thrust into action immediately after recovering from injury.

So far, Cardiff have not dipped into the loan market, although a bid for West Ham's Jame Collins was re-buffed by the player.




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