Cardiff squad good enough despite few signings - Rob Earnshaw

Sammy Ameobi has arrived at Cardiff City on a season's loan from Newcastle United

Former Wales striker Rob Earnshaw says Cardiff City fans should not be concerned about a lack of signings.

With the new season beginning on 8 August, the Bluebirds have been relatively quiet during the summer.

Semi Ajayi and Sammy Ameobi are the only players of note to arrive, but former Bluebird Earnshaw says manager Russell Slade already has a good squad.

"A lot of that team needs to be worked with, the team can get better with the players that are there," Earnshaw said.

The Championship side signed defender Ajayi on a free from Arsenal, while forward Ameobi is on a season-long loan from Newcastle United.

Cardiff have also signed French defender Jordan Blaise, 19, for the development squad.

"Sometimes teams sign too many players now... for the sake of it. It's almost like you're forgetting the good players that are there," said Earnshaw, 34, who made more than 200 appearances for Cardiff in two spells.

Rob Earnshaw holds the Cardiff record for most goals scored in a season - 35 in 2002/03

"There are good players... that have been in and around that Cardiff team that are probably better than most of the players you are going to sign anyway.

"If I'm a manager bringing in a player, that player needs to be better than what I've got or he needs to add a hell of a lot of quality to the already existing squad.

"Sometimes people can think that because there's no signings then we're not doing anything. No.

"You've just got to freshen things up and make people put in a bit more effort, be focused in what they're doing and play better."

Earnshaw, who is currently playing for Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer, says that fellow striker Kenwyne Jones can be an important part of Cardiff's season - if he stays.

Jones, 30, was loaned to Bournemouth at the end of last season but has now returned to Cardiff City Stadium, although he has just a year left on his contract.

"He can carry on with his Cardiff career and he will add to the team," Earnshaw added.

"But at the same time if someone wants to take him and it seems a good deal and Cardiff want to freshen things up, then that might be the case.

"It's a tricky one but they definitely need to tie those attacking positions down and be focused for the season."

A Cardiff side that included a mix of senior and development players drew 1-1 at National League side Cheltenham Town on Wednesday.

Javi Guerra, who wants to leave the club after failing to secure a place in the side, scored Cardiff's equaliser four minutes from time.

Cardiff play their final pre-season friendly away to Bournemouth of Friday, before beginning their Championship campaign at home to Fulham on Saturday, 8 August.