Bluebirds snap up Venezuela defender on a short-term deal
CARDIFF City have snapped up free agent defender Rolf Feltscher on a short-term contract.
The Venezuelan international, who was reportedly being tracked by Los Angeles Galaxy, arrives at the Bluebirds as defensive cover.
He has signed a deal until January 13 and will join up with the Cardiff squad straight away – as he does not need a work permit – following a successful trial period.
The 27-year-old, who was born in Switzerland but has picked up 16 caps for Venezuela, lists Getafe, Real Zaragoza, Duisburg and Grasshoppers Zurich among his former clubs.
He can play at either left back or centre-back and will provide cover with Jazz Richards a long-term injury absence.
The Bluebirds are believed to have pipped MLS giants LA Galaxy to Feltscher’s signing, with the defensive ace keen to forge a career in British football.
Harry Redknapp was believed to have been keen to take Feltscher to Birmingham City during his stint at St Andrew’s, but the move collapsed following Redknapp’s sacking and Neil Warnock has pounced.
His last two competitive games came in Venezuela colours during their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign in August and September.
Feltscher, who will wear the No.29 shirt, said: “I’m really happy to be here.
“It’s important that I work with the manager to understand what he wants but I’m ready.”
Warnock added: “I’m pleased to get Rolf on board.
“He’s been training with us for a few weeks and we wanted to see him in a couple of games but he’s done well and offers us some good cover and competition at the back.
“He’s done very well. He’s a little bit short of fitness but he played in a behind closed doors game the other day so we’ll get him a bit more fitness this week. There’s no reason why he doesn’t come into contention because we are a bit short at the moment.”
Feltscher will go into Cardiff’s squad for tomorrow’s Championship clash with Brentford, with the Bluebirds aiming to extend their unbeaten home run.
Warnock said: “Brentford are the best side in the league at the moment on form.
“We’ve got to be right on our game. We have got one or two problems but I’m sure the lads who come in will give it their best to make sure they can keep the shirt.
“It’s a little bit early to say who will come back into it. Whether they’ll be back before Saturday I’m not sure if I’m honest.
“They’re flying at the moment. But we’re not a bad side either so it should be a cracking game. We’ve got lads who will want to take the opportunity to show what they can do.
“We’re very proud of the home form so we want to keep that going really.”
Dean Smith’s Brentford have recovered from a faltering start to climb up the division, having won four and drawn one of their last five games. They are just four points off the play-off positions, nine points behind the Bluebirds.
The Bees’ have produced some very impressive displays of late, with victories over the likes of Leeds United and Preston North End. Their last defeat was a 3-1 loss at the hands of Norwich City in mid-September.
French forward Neal Maupay has been one of Brentford’s standout players so far in this campaign, scoring six goals in the 19 league and cup appearances he has made.