City striker Yousef Salech spoke to the press following his match winning goal against Birmingham City.
The Bluebirds forward returned to the matchday squad after missing three matches and was due to begin the game on the bench, however an injury to Krystian Bielik in the warm-up saw Salech called upon to start at extremely late notice.
"I was told probably about 2 and a half minutes before kick-off," Yousef began, discussing his late call into the starting XI. "I wasn't planned to start today. I've had a lot of physical and contact training this week but that's probably not enough. The last five weeks I've been struggling with injury. But there was a change of plans. Everything worked out.
"I'm very humble and grateful for today."
Salech stepped up to take a spot kick after 20 minutes following a foul on Perry Ng, but James Beadle denied the striker. Always alert though, Yousef refused to let that impact his performance and when Ollie Tanner played the ball into the box 12 minutes later, the forward showed phenomenal strength to hold off his marker and fire in what turned out to be the winning goal.
Speaking about the two moments, Yousef added: "I think the best way to see a penalty is as any other chance in the game. I've missed chances and I've missed penalties before.
"But that doesn't end the game. There was still 70 minutes left to play. I don't know if that made me more hungry, because I'm always hungry to play and score.
"I'm always trying to add what I can do to the team. Both by being aggressive and pressing without the ball, but also by being physical to try and protect the ball and keep it for my teammates.
"I'm also thinking about where I need to be around the box. Trying to be in the right position to make chances count.
"I just enjoy being me, playing football with these guys and for this Club."
Salech's return from injury is a big boost for both the player and for Brian Barry-Murphy's side. City's number 9 now hopes to push on in the coming weeks.
"I had a good pre-season. The first two or three games I had a good start. But then I had a small down period before the international break where I also got injured.
"No matter what happens though, I'm just trying to do my best everyday in training and in the games.
"I can't wait for the next game now."
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