BLUEBIRDS GET IK RIGHT IN HUGE WIN

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SUPERSUB Uche Ikpeazu needed only eight minutes to become a Cardiff hero and help to banish the Bluebirds’ memories of former talisman Kieffer Moore.

That is how long the on-loan Middlesbrough marksman took to open his City account on debut and settle this dour basement battle.

A 63rd-minute sub for Alfie Doughty, Ikpeazu – signed to replace Bournemouth recruit Moore – fired home the winner, then was booked for his celebration (above).

Cardiff’s win lifted them nine points above the drop zone where Barnsley are bottom, eight points from safety.

They gave playmaker Domingos Quina a first start after he swapped a loan at Fulham for one at Oakwell.

The ex-Portuguese Under-21 is Watford’s youngest ever Premier League goalscorer, but there was no debut strike for him, even though Cardiff lost skipper Sean Morrison within eight minutes.

After lengthy treatment, Morrison hobbled off and must be a doubt for Sunday’s glamour FA Cup fourth-round tie with Liverpool.

Barnsley made all the running in the first half.

Keeper Alex Smithies denied Josh Benson, Devante Cole drilled wide a low 18-yarder after 34 minutes, and Liam Kitching headed just wide.

But there was no holding powerhouse Ikpeazu, who shrugged off Mads Andersen to fire home City’s goal.

Aaron Leya Iseka did put the ball in the net for Barnsley in the last minute of stoppage time, but was flagged offside.