McGuinness still part of the Bluebirds 'family', says Bulut

Defender Mark McGuinness made his first competitive appearance of the season in the EFL Cup win over Bristol Rovers

Manager Erol Bulut insists Mark McGuinness remains part of the Cardiff City “family”, despite speculation linking the defender with a move away from the Championship club.

Luton Town continue to have an interest in the former Arsenal centre-back.

Cardiff reportedly rate the 23-year-old at £10m and Bulut has said he will only be sold at the right price.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 defender underlined his value to the Bluebirds by celebrating his first appearance of the season with the opening goal in Cardiff’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over League One Bristol Rover on Tuesday night.

Cardiff expect to have their resolve tested over McGuinness, but after the defender’s goal against Rovers, Bulut played down any further talk around the Luton interest.

Bulut said: “I didn't hear anything the last two days. I am now looking forward to playing with Mark.

“That's why he played (against Rovers). Until anything is finalised he is a member of this family of Cardiff City."

McGuinness, who missed the weekend's Championship opening defeat to Sunderland with a minor hamstring injury, was part of a young Bluebirds side which saw off the Rovers challenge.

Bulut admitted McGuinness' intervention had been key to the win, which was sealed by Welsh international Rubin Colwill’s injury-time effort.

The Cardiff manager said: “We needed just a goal to open up the game. This we did from the corner, a great header from McGuinness. It was a good goal.

“For us the game was then much, much easier because the opponent has to create, so we had enough space to try to score the second, even a third or a fourth.

“But in the end it was 2-0, we continue in the Cup, so that is good.”

Former Celtic midfielder David Turnbull had to be replaced in the starting line-up after sustaining a hamstring problem in the warm-up before the Rovers game. Eli King took his place.

Bulut hopes Turnbull’s injury will not be a long-term problem

“I hope it is not something serious. Tomorrow I hope we have better news.”

Cardiff are also monitoring the fitness of striker Callum Robinson, who sustained an Achilles problem against Sunderland and is due to have a scan.