McCarthy admits he’s surprised by Kieffer’s Cardiff stay
CARDIFF City boss Mick McCarthy has revealed his surprise at having kept hold of Wales and Bluebirds forward Kieffer Moore this summer. Last season’s top scorer for the Bluebirds with 20 league goals, Moore was said to have attracted interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, the Premier League club failed to meet Cardiff’s valuation.
“I’m delighted. I am sure he would have been interested in playing in the Premier League,” McCarthy said.
Moore, 29, missed Wales games during the international break as a close contact of someone with Covid19, but is available for Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
When asked if he was pleased Moore stayed, McCarthy replied: “Of course I was. You don’t want to lose a player who scored 20 goals the season before.
“Of course he was interested in playing in the Premier League, but there was no offer that came in that was anywhere near the club’s valuation. the Premier League,” McCarthy said.
“The value to me, the team and the players is immense, he’s been fabulous for us.”
Meanwhile the Bluebirds boss is “worried” about facing Nottingham Forest tomorrow. The Reds sit bottom of the Championship table with one point to their name after five games, having got off the mark against bitter rivals Derby County last time out.
That form has seen boss Chris Hughton come under increasing pressure, particularly on the back of last season’s 17th placed finish.
But McCarthy fears being on the receiving end of a reaction from the Forest players at the City Ground, as they return to action after the international break. Asked if he is surprised to see Hughton’s side where they are, he said: “They have had issues with Covid.
“You can have a bad result and it can be followed by another one.
“They’ve not played badly and they are where they are. They’ve not become a bad team and Chris has not become a bad coach.
“I’m worried, not for Chris but for us, because all their players will be smarting. No one will be turning against Chris... he is a great guy.”
The fortnight’s hiatus has afforded Hughton valuable time on the training ground with his squad, as he looks to turn their form around.
“Chris is experienced enough and he will have been working in the international break to ensure he gets back off to a good start,” said McCarthy.