Malky Mackay praises Cardiff City match-winner Peter Whittingham

Malky Mackay hailed Peter Whittingham after the midfielder's winner in Cardiff's 1-0 victory over West Brom.

Whittingham headed home from Craig Noone's cross as Cardiff moved clear of the Premier League's bottom three.

"I'm delighted for him because he's been one of my most consistent performers this year," said Mackay.

The 29-year-old had found himself out of the side during the latter stages of Cardiff's Championship title run-in last season

But manager Mackay has praised the contribution of the former Aston Villa player during Cardiff's debut season the Premier League.

"He had a period out of the side near the end of last season, but really came back in the summer with a renewed belief in his own ability," Mackay added.

"He worked hard on his body to survive in the Premier League in midfield and he's showing that this season."

Mackay was also pleased with the overall performance of his team as they ended a run of five games without a win.

Cardiff had won only once in their previous nine matches and they began the day just one point above the relegation zone.

"I thought we started really well and put West Brom on the back foot right away. It gave us that momentum," Mackay added.

"I knew at half-time we had to be patient and eventually it would come.

"I'm delighted for the players. It's an important win for us against a team who are around us in the league."