Cardiff To Field Weak Side in Cup

Cardiff City are not expected to field anything like their strongest side for tonight's FAW Premier Cup quarter final clash against Welshpool Town.


The Bluebirds paid non-league Chasetown high respect in naming a virtually full strength side for the 3-1 FA Cup third round win. Tonight however, will be a different story as Dave Jones prepares to concentrate on league and FA Cup. He told the Western Mail:


'I wish there was something better at the end of it. A place in Europe or something like that would make it a bigger priority.'

'Compared to the league and FA Cup it`s not high on my priority list at the moment. But we will do all we can to win it and we will prepare in a professional manner.'



Whilst there is no European place up for grabs, the prize money is significant with £100k for the winner and bonuses plus TV money for reaching the final. Thats the transfer fee of Steve Thompson and nearly enough for Glenn Loovens including bonuses. With Swansea City already out, nothing should stand in Cardiff's way if they wanted that money, but Jones does not believe it is worth the extra toll on fitness and possible injury to his first team stars.



Aaron Ramsey is expected to be involved, although he suffered tight hamstrings after the weekend FA Cup tie and would be rested if not fully fit. Others likely to see a start include the versatile Darcy Blake, promising left-back Matt Smith and Matt Smith. Jones has confirmed that several senior players may also be given a chance to shine with Kevin Cooper, David Forde, Jason Byrne and Steve MacLean amongst those.


Welshpool will be no walkover, they sit 6th in the League of Wales and although recent results have been poor, they beat Aberystwyth Town in their last game and will be out to bully their more illustrious visitors.


A semi-final against Newport County await tonights victors while TNS play Carmarthen Town also today. Wrexham travel to Llanelli tomorrow to complete the semi-final line-up.