Captain Fantastic Jay Bothroyd praised the committed team display that powered his Cardiff team to victory over Middlesbrough.
Jay, who scored the winner in the third minute, said: ""We worked really hard from the word go. We've had a few disappointing team performances in recent weeks, but today we changed that, put in a great performance and we deserved the three points.
"We started brightly. We knew what they were about, and they've got some good individuals in midfield. We've got a lot of injuries, we're not trying to make excuses, but the boys have come in, Darcy especially, and done really well.
"Gabor and Gez were strong at the back and it was a really good team performance.
"Every game is a big game, and even more so now that we've got a thin squad. We're all pushing in the right direction though, we're fighting to stay in the play-offs and hopefully it will be enough at the end of the season."
Bothroyd also praised strike partner Michael Chopra, although he has not be scoring regularly lately. Jay said: "Chops has got 17 goals, he's done really well, and even though it wasn't his type of game today he never stopped working hard. He harassed defenders and that's what you've got to when things aren't going your way. I'm sure he'll be back on the scoresheet in no time."
Jay, who scored his tenth goal this season, was unaware that his closer-range finish was also the forty-ninth of his career as a professional.
He said: "I'm happy with my form at the moment. I've scored ten so far, and I'd like to get more before the end of the season, but the most important thing is that we get into the play-offs, and with performances like that then I'm sure we will."
The captain was also quick to praise Cardiff's reinstated keeper David Marshall, who marked his return to the side after two matches on the bench with a string of fine second half saves to protect Cardiff's lead.
Jay said: "David got left out of the squad for a couple of games, but he was terrific today. He's made a few great saves, his kicking was good and he was very vocal and commanded his area well. Credit to Marshy, he was obviously disappointed to be left out, but he's reacted the right way - he's been training hard and he put in a great performance today. "
