Crucial Striker Decision For Cardiff

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones is facing a tricky decision as to his centre-forward pairing for Saturday's important home match against Sheffield United.


Scotsman Steve Thompson had his red card upheld by an FAW panel, after he was dismissed for a rash challenge on Bristol City keeper Adriano Basso. Thommo was in excellent form, and had hit a rich scoring patch, looking bright, eager and menacing.


Now though, Jones must decide who to give that place to. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is the other man in possession of a starting position, and is likely to retain his place after a recent improvement in form.


That means that Robbie Fowler and Steve MacLean are vying to partner JFH. On paper, Fowler seems the obvious choice although he hasn't played since returning from a hip operation. Fowler has 4 league goals (2 penalties) but his partnership with Haselbaink has failed to flourish on numerous occasions and the options just aren't there when they play together.


Steve MacLean has been preferred to Fowler from the bench in the last couple of games. MacLean promised much in a lively pre-season but has scored just once and picked up a knee injury to sideline him for over a month.


Winger Paul Parry and Jason Byrne are outside bets to take the shirt but my money is on Fowler to re-assume a starting berth - we all hope he can now get on with the job he was brought here to do.


We've seen gimpses Robbie, now for the real deal....