'The decision is on you' - Riza delight at Salech impact

Yousef Salech joined Cardiff on his 23rd birthday from Swedish side Sirius for an undisclosed fee believed to be between £3m and £4m

Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says striker Yousef Salech is repaying the faith he showed in him with the big impact he is having for the Bluebirds.

Salech became the first player to score in 13 league games against Burnley on Tuesday night as the Clarets conceded for the first time since December with Salech also hitting the post and crossbar in Cardiff's 2-1 defeat.

Riza revealed that the choice to sign Salech was his, with the Cardiff board telling him "the decision is on you".

The 23-year old has now scored six goals for the Bluebirds in 12 games and looks their best forward signing in a number of years with Riza delighted by his impact.

"When I wanted to sign him, the message was, 'This is on you. Is he at the level to step up to the Championship? Is he going to be able to do this? Or do that?'" Riza said.

"I said, 'Look, I'm telling you what he's going to do' and so far, touch wood, he is doing that. I always say, live by the sword, die by the sword, let's hope it continues. I don't want to put too much pressure on him.

"He was good today, Yousef, he was strong, won his headers and first and second balls, he tried to bring the ball in. He created opportunities and scored an opportunity. I'm really happy with him."

Riza said he always felt confident the 23-year-old could adjust to the English Football League (EFL).

"Sometimes (the board ask) 'Are you sure about this player?'

"That's fine. I think it was a tongue in cheek comment (this is on you) - I hope it wasn't a serious threat! But it was on me. I made a decision and stuck by it. He's doing well and I'm pleased for him.

"I had the confidence he would do well. Players take time to settle, but other than the first couple of days when he looked a bit nervy coming into the group, he takes things in his stride.

"I keep saying, he is honest, hard-working, hungry, wants to get better. He is doing excellent and working hard."