Cardiff saviour Salech embracing Championship demands

Cardiff manager Omer Riza signed Yousef Salech for between £3m-£4m

Cardiff City's new striker Yousef Salech is embracing the demands of "one of the toughest leagues in the world" and quickly learning that Championship points "don't come for free".

The 6ft 4in frontman, who signed from Swedish top flight side Sirius last month, came off the bench to score a 90th minute equaliser in Cardiff's 1-1 draw against Bristol City.

Salech's late intervention not only prevented a third successive league defeat for Omer Riza's side, it earned a crucial point in Cardiff's bid to avoid relegation.

The Bluebirds currently sit three points clear of the drop zone in 20th.

Salech says playing twice a week is not something he is used to, especially having come to Cardiff during Sweden's off-season.

"We play a game every third or fourth day which I really enjoy, it's one of the biggest parts I saw in my opportunity to come here, to play so many games," said the 23-year-old Dane.

"I feel more comfortable in training first and foremost. We're training every day, it feels good in my body and mentally I'm really happy to be here."

Salech had scored 11 goals in 27 appearances in the 2024 Swedish top-flight season before his EFL move to Cardiff on his 23rd birthday.

"People say that maybe this is the toughest league in the world and one thing I've seen here after a month is points don't come for free," added Salech.

"It's about being careful with what mistakes you make and when the other teams makes mistakes to make the most of it.

"We just need to keep going and improve the things we are not doing so well and then hopefully we'll get even more points."

Salech has now bagged three goals since arriving in south Wales, with Saturday's being his first at Cardiff City Stadium.

"It was definitely something I had thought about, I wanted to score at home as quick as possible," he said.

"It took my third home game, I'm happy I could get the goal and also it being crucial in getting a point which is the most important part right now."

Salech is yet to earn a first league start but hopes his latest goal will further his case.

"It's up to the manager, like everyone else I'm just doing my job, coming in every day doing my best, try to improve and give what I can to the team.

"At the end of the day it's his decision. I feel like I'm training better and getting more used to the speed and the tempo.

"The chance comes every game so it's just about staying ready."