Dave Jones promised his Cardiff stars a week off for smashing in four goals against Watford – but they’ll have to wait.
The manager explained: “I told them yesterday that if they beat Watford by four, they could have a week off. I didn’t say which week, though – they can take it in the summer!
“Seriously, we’re going into the international break and the players deserve a few days off. Last time, I gave them a block of time off, and it didn’t work. We had a flying start to the season, but during September, we played like we didn’t know each other. We didn’t come back from the last international break and do well. So they’ll be back in on Tuesday.
“But that’s not a punishment. Today, they did exactly what we have been asking them to do in terms of consistency. We are still a bit hit and miss sometimes with certain things that we do. I warned aftrer Tuesday’s big win over Derby that we shouldn’t throw away the benefit of that, and the lads responded today.
“When you’re on a run you have got to try and hit the consistent run and try and keep it going. It was important today to come away with something. It was a good team performance carrying on from Tuesday night.
“If you go into the international break having won two on the trot then you can’t wait for the next game.
“Ross McCormack came on as sub today, and we should also have Kevin McNaughton and Warren Feeney fit after the break. So barring international injuries, we should have a full squad.
“This was a good team performance, and the centre backs and full backs did very well. Yes, Adam Matthews’ goal was a bit of a fluke, but the kid deserved it for the way he’s been playing. The wind played a big part in the goal, and Watford struggled to get out during the first half. Then we were hit by the same problem in the second half. There was real pressure in that wind, but the lads threw their bodies on the line. “Chops could have had a couple of goals today, but he’s always in there and he’ll get more than he misses. He’s got good movement and is so difficult to mark. Jay is an excellent foil for Chops, and I was pleased he scored today – sometimes I get a sore throat shouting at him so much.”
Dave also revealed that Joe Ledley (hip) could struggle to make the Wales team to face Finland next Saturday, while Adam Matthews (ankle) is a doubt for the under-21s against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
