Can any of the loan rangers come back home and do a job for the Bluebirds?
THE January transfer window opens this week, and Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock is sure to be thinking about what reinforcements he needs in order to strengthen the Bluebirds’ bid for promotion to the Premier League.
But while Warnock will surely be looking to cast the net as far as he can during this window, he is bound to be keeping a close eye on the progress of the players currently out on loan, and decisions will certainly need to be made about what will happen when they return to the Cardiff City Stadium, whether it’s this week or at the end of the season.
Of course, one player that won’t be returning to the Welsh capital is a full-back Declan John, who recently made his relatively successful loan spell at Rangers permanent , signing a three-and-a-half-year deal at Ibrox.
But what of the others? Could any of them break into the first-team picture? Here’s how every single player out on loan has done so far.
Stuart O’Keefe (Portsmouth)
A favourite of former boss Russell Slade, O’Keefe’s claim for a place in the team was largely affected last season by the competition from Aron Gunnarsson, Peter Whittingham and Joe Ralls.
The 26-year-old has had to fight for his place at Fratton Park too, and has largely done so successfully, having made 21 appearances for Pompey in all competitions so far this season, netting two goals.
His impressive performances have earned him plenty of praise, with assistant boss Joe Gallen recently telling local newspaper The News: “Some players say too much and talk too much, but Stuart’s actions are his words, he trains very, very well”.
Those words will certainly be a source of encouragement for Warnock. High point: It would be tempting to opt for either of his two goals in the EFL Trophy, but the league game against Gillingham surely stands out as it was here where he was handed the captain’s armband for the very first time.
He has since captained the south coast side twice more. Not a bad way to catch Warnock’s attention... Low point: There’s not been that many. However, the short spell spent on the bench following suspension may well have been difficult to take. The verdict: It’s worth remembering that Warnock wasn’t massively keen on letting the midfielder leave at the beginning of the season and, considering his contract doesn’t run out until the summer of 2019, he could certainly be in with a chance of success in the Welsh capital.
Nevertheless, it’s probably fair to say that his long-term future could well be decided by what division Cardiff find themselves in next season. Making the step up to the Premier League could well be too far.
Matty Kennedy (Portsmouth)
Like O’Keefe, Kennedy impressed during Cardiff’s 2-1 win over Pompey in the League Cup, arriving at Fratton Park having made just 18 appearances for the Bluebirds since 2014.
Kennedy made no secret of his desire to stay in the Welsh capital even shortly after his loan move to the south coast was completed, lamenting that he wasn’t sure if he’d ever pull on a Cardiff shirt again.
He enjoyed a good start under Kenny Jackett, making 22 appearances in all competitions. However, much like O’Keefe, he has found his place in the team come under increased competition in recent weeks.
Nevertheless, he has still managed to impress the Pompey boss, who said recently: “He’s been unlucky to be out of the side. With Gareth Evans coming back in, Jamal Lowe and Kennedy, it’s quite a strong area for us”. High point: The winger scored and was named man of the match in his side’s 3-1 win over Northampton Town on Saturday, although his performance against Gillingham was arguably just as memorable, with the midfielder scoring what proved to be the winner during a tense contest at Priestfield. Low point: He missed the start of the