WARNOCK: "THE LADS GAVE EVERYTHING"

After a nail-biting victory over promotion hopefuls Huddersfield Town, Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock offered his opinion to the assembled press and media, having enjoyed the exciting encounter.

“That’s more like it!” exclaimed the gaffer. “To me, that’s what the Championship is about. I thought we were unlucky, it was closer than it should have been. I thought we should have been out in front by a few more. We played some good stuff in their half.

“Huddersfield can beat anybody on their day, but Cardiff can, too. I just think it’s that kind of league this year. I think anybody can beat anybody else. You’ve got to go on a bit of a run. Huddersfield is a great club, I love the club, but I did enjoy winning today.”

Junior Hoilett and Rickie Lambert netted their first home goals for City, with the manager keen to praise the attacking duo.

“It was nice to see Lambert and Junior on the score-sheet. They have been working hard to try and get more goals, so it was nice to see. Junior’s getting fitter all the time. He’s a threat all the time; you just can’t take your eyes off him. He can score goals, as well. He does enjoy playing for me, and you’ll see him get better than that.

"It was a first goal for Lambert in my time here, and he needed that. It was a fabulous finish, more difficult than it looked. Then at the end you see Bamba and Mozza heading everything; I think it’s great when you want to protect your goal like that, that’s what it’s all about."

Frédéric Gounongbe also made his first appearance under Warnock, after impressing in training during the international break.

“He’s been superb in training. I thought he was super, really. He looked strong, got the free kicks, and worked hard. He’s the best finisher at the moment in the practices we’ve been putting on, and if he can put the work rate in as well, he’s got half a chance.”

The gaffer concluded: “I thought we were super today, everywhere. The back four were good, the midfield lads had a job to do. It was difficult because they had the ball so much, but I thought we limited them to very few chances. I said to the lads after that you can’t replicate the feeling when the final whistle goes.

“Everyone gave everything today. It was a hard for the referee at times, but I just thought it was a cracking Championship game today.”