WARNOCK: OUR LADS WORKED REALLY HARD

After yesterday’s draw with Sheffield Wednesday, Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock gave his thoughts, reflecting on a hard-fought contest, and expressing his excitement ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.

“I think four points from those two games is fabulous,” began the boss. “We hung in, but you’ve got to show that character, especially against a good side.

"I’m still disappointed with the goal we conceded, but our lads worked really hard – I was really pleased. The lads at the back and in midfield worked their socks off. We weren’t quite firing up front tonight, but you get games like that in the Championship. We live to fight another day.”



Warnock went on to discuss the next couple of fixtures, with matches against Forest and Wigan Athletic approaching before another international break. 

“We’ll get a lot fitter and sharper in the next couple of weeks,” he continued. “We’ve got a full week after Forest, then another week. Just in time for Newcastle away, Huddersfield at home and Villa away! I think there’ll be a difference in the next couple of weeks.

“The players know that I’m here to enjoy it, and I think they enjoy it. They put their heads on the line. Yes, you can see that today we were second best in a lot of things, but we weren’t second best when it comes to what’s under your shirt. I thought we were superb there, and I thought the fans appreciated that really.”

The Manager was also asked about new signings Junior Hoillet and Sol Bamba, who put in excellent shifts in the City shirt against the Owls.

“Junior’s getting fitter. In the first half he took the lad to the cleaners,” added Neil. “He’s learning about being a bit more positive but he hasn’t played in quite a few months, other than playing for Canada.



“It’ll take three or four weeks, but it’s coming back, you can see that. His first touch was a lot better tonight, I’m pleased with him.

"I think Morrison, Bamba and Peltier were super tonight. Bamba can be the best centre half in this division. When he plays simple, he’s as good as anything.”

Finally, the gaffer turned his attention to the clash with Forest on Saturday evening, which will be televised live on Sky.

Warnock is fully aware of the relentless nature of the Championship, and said that his players will be fully prepared for the next battle, saying: "The Championship is all about playing every two or three days. We have to be ready. I’m looking forward to taking my team there. We’ve got a few days now, then we’ll be on our way to Nottingham. I’m looking forward to it now.”

Watch more from Neil on Cardiff City Player HD below...