Warnock: Having lads back is a huge positive

Neil Warnock looked ahead to a third round replay, following the Bluebirds’ 0-0 draw with Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

City will go into the hat as ball number 22 on Monday evening, though they’ll have to overcome a stubborn Stags outfit at Field Mill if they are to feature in the fourth round.

Despite dominating Saturday’s encounter, the Bluebirds were unable to break down Steve Evans’ side who were satisfied with a job well done in the Welsh capital.

“We take positives from this one, that’s for sure,” said the Manager.

“Seeing Sean Morrison back out there is a big plus for us – our medical staff thought he’d be another two weeks. To see him come through without feeling anything is fabulous.

“I was pleased to see Jazz Richards come through okay too, while I thought Rhys Healey did well again, as he did at QPR.”

City now have a week to recover before the visit of Sunderland in the Sky Bet Championship next weekend, with players able to rest and recuperate following a difficult spell of injuries and illness.

Reflecting on the situation, Neil added: I thought the game served its purpose today.

"We've had so many problems, with [Joe] Rallsy pulling out and [Sol] Bamba with a sickness bug. You've got [Joe] Bennett who wasn't going to play and he's ended up playing the full game.

"We had to play a bit of a mix and match in the midfield area and I just felt we lacked a bit up front.

“After 80 minutes I was quite happy with a draw as I wanted to be in the hat for the next round. It’ll be a good night up there at the Stags, I’m sure. That’s what the FA Cup is all about really.”

Watch Neil's post-Mansfield reaction in full, later tonight on iFollow Cardiff City