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Mendez-Laing: The Place is Buzzing

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Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s clinical finish from inside the area inspired the Bluebirds to a heroic comeback at Charlton Athletic last weekend.

It was the forward’s first strike of the season in City colours and evidently inspired him to produce another fine performance at home to Stoke City on Tuesday evening.

Neil Harris has led his side to four points from the last six on offer and as Nathaniel told Cardiff City TV ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, it’s all about creating momentum in to and over the often-perceived crucial festive spell.

“Building up to Christmas it’s going to be important to keep our run going,” said Nathaniel. “It’s a massive game tomorrow for both teams and hopefully we can get the three points.

“The Gaffer has different tactics for different teams. We know we’re going to have to be solid at the back at Forest and trust the boys up top to produce some magic.

“For me, it’s about playing the way I play with confidence. We know we’re capable of winning games when we’re on it and going forward. Hopefully we can put it all together on Saturday and get some goals.”

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Having been City’s match winner at Old Trafford on the final day of last season, an injury early in this campaign hampered Nathaniel in the opening months of 2019/20.

But with those woes behind him and a fresh impetus, the former Rochdale man has his eyes set on a telling contribution to the City cause as we head towards the New Year.

“I had a bit of a slow start with an injury early in the season and it took me a while to get back and track,” Nathaniel reflected. “But I’m feeling more myself now and the goal last weekend will hopefully mean there are many more to come.

“The manager spoke to me personally when he came in and told me what he wants from me and where I can improve. Hopefully that’ll continue to show on the pitch.

“We were obviously sad to see the former Gaffer go and wish him the very best, but the new manager has come in and given all of us a big lift. It’s been great and the place is buzzing again. We’ve picked up four points from six, so we’re reasonably happy with that.”

Watch more from Nathaniel now on Cardiff City TV!