'Sublime' Ramsey shows his quality on league return

Cardiff City manager Omer Riza praised the impact of Aaron Ramsey as his "sublime" contribution on his Championship return helped rescue a draw against Bristol City.

Ramsey came on during the second half of Saturday's 1-1 draw to make his first league appearance for the Bluebirds since August after a hamstring injury.

With the Bluebirds trailing 1-0 in the 90th minute, the 34-year-old played a delicate through ball to fellow substitute Cian Ashford, whose low cross was converted by another replacement, Yousef Salech.

"It was a sublime pass. We know that's the quality he's got," said Riza.

"It wasn't the only one, he made three or four passes like that, which were key opportunities. That's what he's good at and when the game opened up a little bit and we introduced him into the game, it was a perfect time for him."

Ramsey had made his comeback from injury by starting last Saturday's FA Cup win at Stoke City but sat out Tuesday's Championship defeat at Portsmouth.

"Aaron was ready to play," Riza explained when he was asked why Ramsey was on the bench against Bristol City.

"He played in the Stoke game, which was his first game back. He didn't play at Portsmouth because he can't, and probably ain't going to go Saturday/Tuesday ever.

"So playing Saturday to Saturday is something that will probably happen with Aaron but today was just selection and was my decision.

"I knew what he'd give us coming onto the pitch when the game opened up a little bit and he did that. So that was very pleasing for me. Aaron was probably disappointed he wasn't playing.

"But again, it's how you deal with disappointment and he dealt with it really well. He came on and showed character, leadership and quality to boot."