Skipper Mark Hudson has hailed his Cardiff City team-mate Adam Matthews as Premier League player - although the Bluebirds full back is just 17 years old.
Central defender Hudson said ahead of Saturday's home match with Plymouth Argyle: "Adam has been outstanding, He's very laid-back and if you speak to him, he's very calm about the way things have gone, which is good because he's got a level head on his shoulders.
"Next year will be great for him as long as he keeps working as hard as he does and keeps his feet on the ground. I'm sure he will be fine. He's a outstanding player and he can go right to the top - he'll definitely be a Premier League player. sooner rather than later. Hopefully by the end of the season, that will happen with Cardiff."
Huds also warned against complacency as third-placed Cardiff face holiday fixtures against the Championship's bottom pair Plymouth and Peterborough, where City play on Monday, December 28.
He said: "These games are very important - if we can keep our run going and take six points it will put us right back in the mix.
"On paper, it's a big opportunity but we have to keep working as hard as we did in the last three games. We know it's not going to be easy because Plymouth are under pressure and need the points. We know we need to be at the races to get the six points off Plymouth and Peterborough.
"The only pressure we've got is from ourselves. We know what we expect from ourselves We've set the standard over the last three weeks and we've got to stay up there. Three games and three clean sheets is a big bonus for us and we've been trying to get to that all season. We're at a good stage at the moment and if we keep working, we can carry that on. It's noticeable to everyone that we are defending from the front, and that gives us more chance of keeping clean sheets."
Huds also paid tribute to another City full back, Alan Quinn: "He has shown great character to come in back into the team and do so well. It shows that the squad is working hard and players are pushing to get back in if they are out of the starting line-up."
