‘THAT ONE WAS FOR THE FANS’ - WICKHAM
Bluebirds striker hoping for forgiveness after video controversy
CONNOR Wickham hopes Cardiff City fans have forgiven him for the video which appeared to show him inhaling laughing gas after losing to Swansea City following his goal and assists in the win over Blackpool on Good Friday.
Wickham’s name was in the headlines this past week after the video was circulated on social media in the hours after Cardiff’s last-gasp defeat to bitter rivals Swansea last Saturday, with Wickham later celebrating his 30th birthday.
Manager Sabri Lamouchi branded the video of him appearing to inhale nitrous oxide “stupid” before placing him in the starting lineup for the relegation six-pointer against the Seasiders.
Wickham repaid the manager’s faith in the best way possible by scoring the opener before setting up the following two goals as City blew the Tangerines away in a first-half blitz.
They now look to pull further clear of the Championship danger zone when Sunderland arrive in the Welsh capital tomorrow.
“I felt I owed it to the fans this week, and the players and the staff and the club,” Wickham said.
“I don’t think it was a great performance but we got what we needed from it. The most important thing is the three points. The boys dug in until the end, we know we can do better.
“I knew I had a point to prove today. The manager has given me a chance to start.
“The first 15-20 minutes, they battered us. We didn’t have composure and they were first to every second ball. Then the game just changed and we scored three goals in 10 or 15 minutes and we dominated the first half from then on.
“The second half, coming out with a 3-0 lead, you feel like you’ve got enough to win the game. But we probably should have done more. But we have three points and we head home with that.”
Lamouchi is hopeful Kion Etete will be available the Easter Monday clash with the Black Cats.
The striker missed out on the trip to Blackpool and has missed the last two matches now due to a hamstring injury.
But when asked if he thought Etete might be available for selection next time out, Lamouchi said: “Yes. The medical department are doing the best to give me Kion available for Monday.
“So we will check in and we will see. We are short in numbers, but the quality, attitude and mentality, I love to see our players fight like that.”
Callum O’Dowda still remains a doubt for the Bluebirds.
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