Cardiff City

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Yousef Salech enjoyed a Cardiff City debut to remember, even if he was only on the pitch for six minutes.

Cardiff's new £3m-plus striker came off the bench in the closing stages as the Bluebirds claimed a memorable south Wales derby victory over Swansea City last weekend.

Salech, who joined from Swedish side Sirius last week, will hope to get more minutes under his belt when Omer Riza's team return to action at Millwall on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

And while these are still early days in Salech's Cardiff career, assistant coach Tom Ramasut says the club are excited about what the 6ft 4in frontman can bring to the table.

"We have watched a lot of clips of him and seen him in training," Ramasut said.

"Then when you see a player out on the pitch [against Swansea], you see the size, the athleticism, the desire to go and press the ball, the pace that he has, so I am really excited by him.

"And on top of that, his character and his manner around the building have been incredible. He is going to be a great addition."

Riza will be on the touchline at The Den despite his late red card against Swansea, with any sanction over that incident expected to come after the trip to south London.

The derby triumph means Cardiff are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions as they prepare to face a Millwall side who have gone five games without a win in the Championship.

"Hopefully this momentum of the six games and this game [against Swansea], which is huge, can give a lot of belief and confidence to the squad moving forward into the next batch of games," Ramasut added.

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Callum Robinson says he hopes "good things will come" amid uncertainty over his Cardiff City future with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Robinson struck twice in Saturday's thumping victory over Swansea City to take his tally for the season to 10 goals.

The 29-year-old is enjoying easily his most prolific campaign in a Cardiff shirt, having finished 2022-23 – his first in Wales - with seven club goals before managing only two last season.

Cardiff assistant coach Tom Ramasut described Robinson as a "talisman" for Omer Riza's team after his derby double.

But for the moment, Robinson says there is "nothing much" to report about his contract situation.

"I don't like to get involved in that much," the Republic of Ireland forward said.

"I have always been like that with my agent. He will call me if there's something and we'll see what happens.

"I don't know what's going on behind the scenes. I don't like all that – he knows that it affects me because he tried it once when I was at Preston and I started wobbling.

"I just have to keep doing my business and hopefully good things come."

Former Preston, Sheffield United and West Brom player Robinson added that he has "enjoyed my whole time" in Cardiff despite his individual struggles last season.

"I have never had an issue with the club or fans," he said.

"I started here scoring goals. Last year was not to my standard, but I have always loved it here."

Robinson is in sparkling form, having scored five goals in his last four appearances – one of which, against Coventry, ended just after half-time thanks to a contentious red card – as Cardiff prepare for Tuesday's trip to Millwall.

The Lions are 17th in the table, only three points better off than Cardiff, having failed to win in their past five Championship games.

They are still looking for a first victory under boss Alex Neil, who was appointed in late December.

"I know the manager from Preston and he has a well-organised team," Robinson said.

"It's going to be tough but if we can have a real good week this week, it will put us in a real good position."

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Two days before Cardiff City's stirring 3-0 win over arch rivals Swansea City, manager Omer Riza was asked what victory could do for the Bluebirds.

As well as striking a blow against their oldest enemies, who have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning this particular derby would be even more valuable given Cardiff's perilous position in the Championship.

"We know the impact of a win against the Jacks," Riza said on Thursday. "The history of the two clubs is out there for everyone to see.

"Whether it's bragging rights – and we know how important it is for the fans – it's about how you make other people feel. That's probably more important than anything else.

"Three points on Saturday against Swansea, this whole stadium will be rocking. People will feel a sense of togetherness. These moments can really help steer where you move forwards towards the back end of the season."

It was remarkable that Riza was there on Saturday. Just a few hours after that interview on Thursday, he was in London to be with his father Josh, who died that evening.

With Cardiff 3-0 up, fans sang "This one's for your dad" to Riza, who responded with a wave, a hand on his heart and applause to the crowd.

It was a touching moment on an emotional day for Riza, who was not able to celebrate on the pitch with his players after the final whistle as he had been sent off late in the game for a confrontation with Swansea midfielder Goncalo Franco.

But this was Riza's day, and he was given a standing ovation by the Bluebirds' faithful after he was shown his red card and banished from the dugout.

Now he and his squad will be revisiting that final line from his pre-match media interviews on Thursday, which represents the next challenge for Cardiff: to build on this momentous win.

Cardiff are up to 20th place in the Championship table, still only one point above the relegation zone.

Much as they enjoyed the win over Swansea, they visit 17th-place Millwall on Tuesday before hosting Derby, who are 19th, next Saturday.

There is still plenty of work to be done if Cardiff are to avoid the drop to League One, and their inspired performance against Swansea could be the catalyst for a sustained run of good form.

Riza had been encouraged by his team's recent displays – they are now unbeaten in six games in all competitions – and the hope now is that the demolition derby of the Swans can elevate Cardiff to new heights.

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Hundreds - perhaps a 1,000 or more - Cardiff City fans marched to Saturday's south Wales derby in protest against the club's board.

There were blue flares as well as chants and banners calling for owner Vincent Tan to leave as supporters made their way from Cowbridge Road to Cardiff City Stadium.

The march ended at the stadium's main reception, where the fans expressed their anger at the way Cardiff have been run during the decade and more under Tan.

Before Saturday's match against Swansea City, Cardiff were 21st in the Championship table.

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza will be at Saturday's south Wales derby against Swansea City following the death of his father.

Riza announced the news of his father's passing on social media on Thursday night.

Cardiff posted on the club's official X account on Friday morning: "All of our thoughts are with you, Gaffer."

Cardiff, who are 21st in the Championship, host 12th-place Swansea at 12:30 GMT on Saturday.

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Cardiff City could be boosted by the return of as many as three senior players for Saturday's derby against Swansea City.

Top scorer Callum Robinson is back from suspension and midfielder Manolis Siopis has recovered from illness.

Both are expected to be in the Bluebirds' squad on the weekend, and there is a chance winger Anwar El Ghazi could feature after his return from a hip injury was delayed by illness.

"His illness knocked him, a bit of weight loss," said Cardiff manager Omer Riza.

"He's training, back in with the group. It [Swansea game] might be a bit too early for him but he's trained today [Thursday].

"Sio was unwell so we couldn't have him in the squad. He's trained today so he'll be up for selection."

Siopis only missed Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Watford, but El Ghazi has not played since 26 December, while Robinson was suspended for the past three games following his red card against Coventry on New Year's Day.

Long-term absentees include midfielders Aaron Ramsey and David Turnbull – who are not expected back until March and April, respectively – defender Ronan Kpakio and forward Isaak Davies.

Davies, who spent last season on loan at KV Kortrijk in Belgium, has not played yet in this campaign because of a hamstring injury.

"Isaak's training well, looking sharp," said Riza.

"He needs to complete more training sessions and minutes with the Under-21s before we can unleash him. Hopefully next couple of [Under-21s] games he could get some minutes."

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza says Cian Ashford won't be sent out on loan after his recent impressive performances.

The 20-year-old forward has scored two goals in his last two games - the 1-0 win against Sheffield United in the FA Cup and the 1-1 draw against Watford in the Championship.

The Wales Under-21 international has started the last five games for the Bluebirds, and has been instrumental in their recent unbeaten run.

"There was talk of it [going out on loan] because we have to try and help the player, and sometimes with a loan they gain experience and confidence," said Riza.

"He's stepping up a level now which is what I wanted.

"Potentially he was going to go out on loan, but now he won't be."

Ashford caught the eye last season when he scored an injury time winner for Cardiff in a 2-1 win against soon to be promoted Southampton.

He was used mostly as a substitute earlier on this season, but was given his chance in the first team following the 3-2 defeat at Oxford United.

Riza believes Ashford has matured as a player, and has learned how to deal with certain things which used to affect his performances.

"He's a quiet lad. He's a humble boy. He works really hard," Riza added.

"He lets things get on top of him sometimes and we've had lots of conversations with him.

"It's really important for us as staff and coaches to recognise when players are in those moments to help them, because there could have been times this season where he could have crumbled.

"There's been a couple of games where he wasn't comfortable on the pitch, and you recognise that and you take him out and don't allow him to do that again."

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Former Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw believes the club must strengthen their forward line during the current transfer window.

Even though the Bluebirds climbed out of the Championship relegation zone with Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Watford, they remain one of the lowest scoring teams in the league.

After having an offer rejected for Peterborough United striker Ricky-Jade Jones, Cardiff have now turned their attention to the Danish striker Yousef Salech.

The 22-year-old has scored 13 goals in 29 games for Swedish side Sirius, and is reportedly valued at between £3m and £4m.

"To be honest I don't know too much about him, but if they are looking for a striker I would agree [that they need one]," said Earnshaw.

"I think that should be a priority. Look at last night's game, you have got to take your chances and you need forwards.

"They need to bring players in for sure, but it's got to be the right players who help improve the team.

"The more goals the better."

Cardiff are unbeaten in their last four Championship games, though three of those have been draws.

Earnshaw is concerned about the prospect of seeing his former side in a relegation battle towards the end of the season.

Cardiff, who host Swansea City in the south Wales derby on Saturday, will slip back into the the bottom three if Portsmouth avoid defeat against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night.

"I always watch the games and I don't like what I am seeing right now to be honest with you," Earnshaw told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"Listen they are unbeaten in a few games, brilliant, I think it's been a little bit of a turn.

"But we don't want to see Cardiff City in a relegation battle.

"I would love the club to continue [the unbeaten run] and get some wins, because in that league, if you continue [to struggle] and you are there in March and April, it's going to be very difficult to get out of it. I hope this month we will start to see some more wins."

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Cardiff City's lowly position in the Championship table is causing players to feel "anxious", according to manager Omer Riza.

The Bluebirds climbed out of the relegation zone with Tuesday's 1-1 home draw with Watford but will feel they should have won.

The Hornets' 87th-minute equaliser was their first shot on target, whereas Cardiff missed several chances and should have secured what would have only been their second league victory since 2 November.

Riza's side have made a habit of conceding late equalisers, having done so in recent matches against Stoke and Coventry.

"There are always things you can work on which we [coaches] are bringing to light all the time," said Riza.

"The position we are in the league leads the boys to be anxious or nervous at times. But we had enough control of the game to keep it, play out, make the opposition work more.

"We allowed them to have the ball, when we went too early with the ball, we allowed them to hurt us. That's what happened at the end. For huge parts of the game we didn't give them much."

This is an important week for Cardiff. As well as searching for valuable points in their fight against relegation, they host Swansea City in a south Wales derby on Saturday.

Although the Bluebirds have squandered leads lately, they are at least unbeaten in their past five matches in all competitions.

"It's frustrating and there is stuff we need to work on. That will improve as the season goes on," said Riza.

"We know we need three points, but we are out of the bottom three for now. It was a good performance and we have to take that into Saturday."