Pritch fires a Warnock warning

ALEX PRITCHARD has warned his Huddersfield team-mates that Cardiff are more than just long-ball merchants.

The Terriers were hammered in their opening two games and are under pressure to see off the Bluebirds.

Neil Warnock sides are noted for their aggressive, direct and no-nonsense style – and the veteran boss returns to the club where he won promotion 23 years ago.

But Pritchard is adamant there is more to his teams than meets the eye.

The midfielder said: “I’m expecting a physical game and people on social media are saying it’s must-win.

“Cardiff are strong, direct and in your face but they’re in the Premier League for a reason.

“We watched their game against Newcastle when the ball was on the floor and they have quality.

“I played with Josh Murphy at Norwich and you’ve got to be careful because he’s so quick.

“Joe Ralls, Junior Hoilett and Kenneth Zohore also have quality.”

Arrived

Huddersfield boss David Wagner has admitted it would be a miracle if they beat the drop again.

Pritchard, who arrived from Norwich in January, said: “It gets harder every year but we did it last season and we can do it again. The season starts now.”

Jonas Lossl is pushing for a recall in goal with summer signing Ben Hamer leaking nine goals in the two defeats. Wagner added: “Now we have exactly what we wanted to have in more or less every position – competition – and this is the case with the goalkeepers as well.

“This is a difference to last year. An established goalkeeper is usually what you like to have but for this to happen someone has to be a consistent performer on their best level, then we will have a No.1.

“That is the same for the number one shirt, the number 10 shirt, the number two – whatever.

“Jonas came back after the off-season not in the best condition or shape but worked very hard with the goalkeeping coach and fitness department to come back to the shape he needs to be, in order to be at his best.”