Head boy Healey has Bluebirds motoring
LIVERPOOL: SWANSEA: NEIL WARNOCK admits he almost left out Cardiff match-winner Rhys Healey.
The striker’s injury-time header made it three successive Championship wins for the Bluebirds for the first time since September 2015.
Healey, 22, is just back from a six-month loan spell at League Two strugglers Newport and netted his first goal in only his second Cardiff appearance.
It moves the Welsh club eight points clear of the drop zone.
Cardiff boss Warnock knew playing Healey meant the youngster will not be allowed to go out on loan again this campaign – FA rules state a player can only play for two clubs per season.
“I was tempted not to use him but I was selfish,” said the Cardiff manager.
“I watched Rhys and his finishing let him down at Newport but his honesty will make him a good living.
“He’s what I call a little rash because he never leaves defenders alone. He’s a confident lad, it’s not a bad thing to have.
“I told him to be a nuisance and enjoy it. The lads signed his shirt and gave him a round of applause. It’s lovely and he’ll remember it forever.”
A goalless draw had looked almost certain with Burton’s Lloyd Dyer wasting the best opening in the first half.
The winger, 34, had a one-on-one with Cardiff debutant keeper Allan McGregor but sliced horribly wide of the target.
Warnock’s men have lost just one of their last eight games in the Championship, elevating them to 16th place.
“It’s probably the best three points I’ve got since I’ve been at the club,” said Warnock.
Burton drop into the relegation zone for the first time this season.
They have lost seven of their last eight league games and Brewers boss Nigel Clough admits he is looking to bring in reinforcements.
He said: “This defeat is without a doubt the toughest to take – we deserved a point.
“We’re always trying to improve the squad but the players have to do that fraction of a bit better. We’re losing far too many games.”