Cardiff family spirit drives them on
NEIL WARNOCK is the father figure guiding the Bluebird brothers to promotion, says Sean Morrison.
Cardiff’s skipper headed home his side’s first goal as they leapfrogged Fulham with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest to return to second place.
Warnock’s men need two wins from their last three games to go up.
“Junior Hoilett said last week we’re like a family and he’s right,” said Morrison. “We’re all in this together and that comes from the gaffer and his staff. Our biggest strength is the togetherness in this team.
“We’ve dug in when it’s mattered and now we look forward to Derby. I don’t mind the three-game weeks. It’s tough on the body and mind but I like to get the games done.”
If Cardiff win their game in hand at Pride Park tomorrow they will move four points clear of Fulham.
“God only knows what Fulham must be thinking,” said Warnock. “They have gone 22 games unbeaten but we’re still all over them like a rash.”
Derby are preparing a warm welcome for Warnock after he described the late decision to postpone last month’s original date a disgrace.
Goalkeeper Scott Carson is pleading for one last hurrah from the Rams to put Warnock in his place.
Derby remain a point outside the shake-up despite just two wins in 13 games.
Carson admits the game has an extra edge after last month’s postponement because of snow.
“Neil Warnock likes to get at people and he has looked for a reaction,” said Carson after a 2-1 home defeat by fellow play-off hopes Middlesbrough. “I’m sure he’s going to get a bit off the fans for all that.”
A Boro win against Millwall on Saturday should guarantee them a top-six spot and midfielder Muhamed Besic said: “We have a lot of quality, a lot of experience, and I think we can make it.”
Aston Villa thrashed Ipswich 4-0 at Portman Road and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone feels they can make a dramatic Premier League return on the final day of the regular season. “There aren’t many games left but it can be done,” said Johnstone. “We’re on a roll again.”
Barnsley remain two points from safety after a 2-1 defeat at Leeds.
Jose Morais’ side do have a game in hand on their relegation rivals but must start picking up points quickly.
“We have to win our games and not keep looking at other teams,” said captain Andy Yiadom.