No relaxing in Cardiff City's promotion bid, says striker Salech

Cardiff City striker Yousef Salech says no-one can afford to relax if the Bluebirds are to continue their promising start to their League One promotion bid.

Salech, 23, scored deep in injury time at Stockport at the weekend to earn Brian Barry-Murphy's side a draw and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

It kept them top of the table on goal difference with a game in hand over second-placed Bradford City, who Cardiff welcome this weekend.

Although the point came after a disappointing team performance and ended a four-game winning streak in the league, Salech says the comeback underlined the mentality Cardiff will need if they are to return to the Championship at the first attempt.

"Everyone knows we're aiming for promotion and every game is going to play a big part in that," said Salech. "Even the 3-0 or 4-0 wins we have had never felt easy from the start, every game has felt as if there is so much at stake. We have to be prepared for that and make sure we can't relax.

"It's not enough to be a good team or perform well, we have to be mentally aware."

That includes accepting the former Premier League club will be seen as a scalp by many, with the Danish frontman adding: "These teams are looking forward to the game all season and want to beat us, especially at home.

"It's not going be easy, they will try everything to beat us and we should realise that. It's almost like a final to play against us right now."

Cup involvement is next up for Cardiff who travel to Exeter City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday (19:00 BST), with three-goal Salech hoping the unbeaten run under new boss Barry-Murphy stretches even further.

"Everyone can feel that the club is on the rise and on the way to improving," Salech added. "We need to keep building and we can reach great things in the future, long term as well."