Cardiff chief weighs up his fringe benefits for Owls test

BLUEBIRDS boss Neil Warnock has revealed those on the fringes of Cardiff City’s first team are all pushing to impress as he hints that changes could be made for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday.

The Yorkshireman shouldered the blame for the Bluebirds’ hefty 3-0 defeat to Preston at Deepdale on Tuesday night – a loss that brought an end to Cardiff’s unbeaten start to the 2017-18 Championship campaign.

Warnock conceded it was difficult to make changes against Alex Neil’s side as the Bluebirds had claimed 16 points from their opening six league outings.

But the manager remained coy when pressed on whether or not he’ll make changes when Carlos Carvalhal’s men come to the Welsh capital this afternoon.

“You can’t (make changes) when you’re winning,” said Warnock.

“But that morning, two or three looked lethargic, but I could tell in the first 10 minutes in they haven’t had the energy they normally have. One or two can be loss of form, but not when it’s eight or nine.

“You’d think with a loss or a defeat, I’d give one or two chances.

“On the Wednesday I was like a zombie myself, I just fell asleep. They’ve played two games in four days and I could understand.

“There hasn’t been any words really, the lads who are not in the team are all pushing to impress me. Whether I put one or two in you’ll have to wait and see.”

Summer signing Danny Ward has featured in all seven of the Bluebirds’ league matches so far, but is yet to start a single one.

His only two starts came in the EFL Cup, although he did score his first competitive goal for the club in the 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Deadline day signings Liam Feeney and Craig Bryson have both made their Cardiff debuts off the bench already and will be among those – along with the likes of Lee Tomlin – pushing for a starting spot against the Owls.