Harris hopeful Moore will be ready for Preston

AND BOSS THINKS RECRUITS WILL ARRIVE BEFORE TODAY’S DEADLINE

CARDIFF City boss Neil Harris says striker Kieffer Moore is in contention to face Preston North End on Sunday.

The striker returned to the Welsh capital before Wales’ Nations League win over Bulgaria after the yellow card against the Republic of Ireland ruled him out through suspension.

It comes after the forward limped out of the 3-0 friendly defeat at the hands of England at Wembley, a moment Harris admits left him feeling just as anxious as many Bluebirds fans.

Asked what was going through his head when he saw his star striker forced out with injury, Harris said: “I was bloody nervous!

“Managers are always a little selfish. I love the lads getting called up. I think it’s great. The opportunity to go and represent your country. There’s no bigger honour than that.

“But then you have a selfish element, hoping they don’t get injured.

“But he’s playing against England at Wembley. What an opportunity for him. Kieffer played just under a game -and-a-half, and Gav Whyte’s played a game-and-a-half.

“They’ve all had minutes on the pitch. Kieffer, of course, when he went down, I was nervous. But it was really positive news to have him playing again.”

Asked how long it took for him to speak to his star striker, Harris replied: “I’m not sure he was even off the pitch!

“I’m always in touch with the players that are away. Just to make sure they’re OK.

“The medical team is close to the Welsh national set-up. They immediately sent a message to Kieffer. I spoke to him also just to get his thoughts. “That’s pretty standard.” Harris is hopeful of having Moore back for the trip to Deepdale, a ground where Cardiff have won just once in their last four visits.

Having the 28-year-old at his disposal would represent a significant boost for Harris, although he admits there are still doubts over the fitness of Joe Bennett.

“Joe came off with a hamstring [at Blackburn], so we have to keep an eye on that. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Meanwhile, the Bluebirds boss is confident new recruits will come in today as the clock counts down on the transfer window.

“I do expect us to be active,” he said. “History tells us that, but also the conversations I’ve been having with the board. We’re trying. We’re trying really hard. The board have been fantastic, working hard to get people in.

“I’m confident we’ll be doing some business over the course of the next few hours.”