Mick pre-Derby | Always thankful for fans' support

Following a physical encounter at Middlesbrough on the weekend, Mick McCarthy gave City fans positive news ahead of Tuesday night’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Wayne Rooney’s Derby County.

The 1-1 draw at the Riverside marked nine games unbeaten for Mick’s Bluebirds, whilst victory over the Rams on Tuesday could conceivably moving them back into the top-six.
 
Joe Ralls and Junior Hoilett were fit enough to be named amongst the substitutes on Saturday and Mick gave further insight into the health and wellbeing of a squad that is coping with the demands of an overly congested Championship campaign.
 
“We’ve no new injuries [following the weekend], they’re all okay thankfully,” said Mick. “There were some tired bodies after the game Saturday, on the back of having travelled to Bournemouth and back on the Wednesday and then up there. We had a day less to prepare for that game than Middlesbrough did and that does make a difference.
 
“It’s been pretty much a case of play and recover for the lads that have been playing in the games. When you’re winning games you can do that, but if you’re not then you need more time on the training ground [than the current schedule of games allows].
 
“Having been on this good run of form has helped us in that respect, that’s for sure. Recovery and the right nutrition are very important of course.

“We did a lot of travelling last week and will do so again for Huddersfield on Friday night, but we’re at home tonight and it’s Derby that have had to do the travelling. Derby have improved in recent weeks and they’ve got some good players, adding more in the recent window. They’ve got a good squad, very much so.”
 
City supporters around the globe can watch tonight’s match on Cardiff City TV, kicking off in Cardiff at 7pm GMT.


And whilst enjoyment and support must still remain away from the home of the Bluebirds for now, the City Boss was sure to state how thankful the squad and staff are for the continued backing that is felt from afar.
 
“Our fans want to be in the ground for games like this and we’d prefer them to be here with us as well, of course we would,” Mick stated.
 
“Having your fans behind you in games like this makes a big difference but, nevertheless, we know they’re supporting us from afar and we’re always thankful for that.
 
“I’m sure they’re enjoying what they’re seeing from home.”