Aerial king so crucial if Bluebirds are to soar

DEFEAT to Swansea in the south Wales derby was a bitter – but fleeting – blow to Cardiff manager Neil Harris.

- Chris Dunlavy

Long-term, the loss of striker Kieffer Moore to injury has the potential to prove far more damaging.

Moore, 28, tore his hamstring whilst attempting a backheel in the 56th minute of the Bluebirds’ 2-0 defeat last weekend.

“Kieffer will be out until the New Year,” said Harris this week. “I’m gutted to lose him because he’s been in great form. He was pivotal to the four-game winning run we had, but now it’s time for others to step in and show their qualities.”

Perhaps. But does anybody at Cardiff – or even in the Championship – possess the same qualities as Moore?

Robust

The 6ft 5ins striker has scored five goals in his last seven games, taking his total for the season to nine in all competitions. He also has one assist.

That figure represents 35 per cent of Cardiff ’s output, yet of greater significance to Harris is Moore’s capacity to operate as a robust target man and reliable out ball.

Under Harris, Cardiff demonstrably favour a direct style of play with attacks reliant on collecting second balls high up the pitch.