Declan John strengthens Cardiff options, says Andrew Taylor

Andrew Taylor believes Cardiff have good strength in his left-back position with the emergence of Declan John.

The 18-year-old played the full match in the 1-0 friendly win over Italian Serie A side Chievo Verona.

Taylor is suspended for Cardiff's first Premier League game at West Ham on 17 August, so John, Simon Lappin or maybe Joe Ralls could fill in at left-back.

"You need competition for places. I thought he [John] did really well last week," Taylor said.

"Somebody is going to have to play left-back the first game of the season because I'm suspended.

"So if he can take his opportunity, who knows?

"It's very disappointing to miss that first game but that's football, there's nothing I can do about that now I've just got to get on and look forward to the Man City game."

Although the Premier League is Cardiff's priority, they are also quickly into Capital One Cup action and have been drawn away to League Two side Accrington Stanley - surprise 2-1 winners at Middlesbrough - in the second round.

"It's a cup game, they're never easy when you play a lower league team as they raise their game. We've been in that situation before," Taylor added.

"They got a fantastic result against Middlesbrough so it'll be a tough game for us."

Cardiff have a pre-season game against Spanish Serie A side Bilbao on Saturday, then start their Premier league season at West Ham United on 17 August.