Article: Chris Nokes

Dave Jones will be looking to continue the Bluebirds outstanding run away from home this season, as his Cardiff side face Q.P.R at Loftus Road on Saturday. Dave was speaking to the press in an interview that can be seen in full on Cardiff City World.

The story that has dominated the Cardiff sports news ahead of the clash with the Hoops on Saturday, however, is the return of Bluebirds goal hero Michael Chopra on a two month loan deal from Sunderland. Chops' return came at an excellent time after recent injuries to the first choice duo of Ross McCormack and Jay Bothroyd and has given the club a big lift after the disappointment of the loss to Wolves last Saturday.

"It's great to have him back" Dave said. "I had rung Roy Keane earlier in the season and he had said for me to wait until January, but after the injuries to Ross and Jay, I contacted him again. We were delighted that he said yes because we have been chasing him for a while now. I think Roy got fed up with me calling him!"

The manager was asked whether this had affected team morale, with many players knowing Chops from his earlier spell at the club. "The players are happy but mainly because he is a good player. They're not bouncing up and down or anything, but they are happy he's back."

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Dave also refused to rule out any more signings to bolster the Bluebirds squad. "Never say never in football. It's not just strikers I'm looking at though, it's everywhere, but it's difficult. If there from the Championship, I'm asking why aren't they playing at their permanent club and are they good enough? If they are from the Premier League, the new rule with the seven subs, also makes it difficult. But we've got targets and we'll keep on looking."

'Bouncebackabiltiy' is the word the Cardiff fans and players will be looking for in their trip to Q.P.R on Saturday after the defeat at Wolves. The Hoops are themselves currently looking for a new manager after dismissing the man who coined the word which Soccer AM made famous, Ian Dowie, and are currently under the caretaker management of a former Ninian Park favourite, Gareth Ainsworth.

Ahead of the clash Dave said, "They've had some good results and they've got good players. They have the same ambition as us, so it'll be a tough game. But it's business as usual for them I'd imagine and the behind-the-scenes stuff won't affect the players. They'll just get on with it and look for the win. They train every day and they still get paid so nothing's different".