Joe Mason on Cardiff City standby for Birmingham City clash

" Joe Mason on Cardiff City standby for Birmingham City clash "



Joe Mason is standing by to make his first Championship start of the season when Cardiff City play Birmingham City in a Championship home clash on Tuesday.

Tommy Smith, who suffered a groin injury during the 3-0 win against Blackpool, and Jordon Mutch, on the mend after a foot problem, are both ruled out of the 7.45pm clash.

Mason is one of several players who could step in for Smith, but he is expected to be given the nod after going on from the substitutes bench against Blackpool.

That is expected to be the only change to manager Malky Mackay's starting line-up after an outstanding team display against Blackpool.


"Our win against Blackpool was the result of as complete a team performance as we have had bearing in mind the quality of our opposition," said Mackay. "Blackpool will be there or thereabouts this season.

"But we aren't getting carried away with anything yet. We have only played eight League matches. We have to keep working hard in a League which is unforgiving.

"As soon as a team focuses on anything other than the task in hand then they can hit trouble.

"But we have a group of players intent on working hard for the team and each other. We are capable of scoring goals from different areas and that's important. It's something we started last season and are looking to build on that.

"Birmingham will pose a difficult test for us but City fans, as always, will play their part. When we play at home noise they make getting behind their team is invaluable.

"Our aim is for the fans to watch see their team attacking the opposition, scoring goals and winning games. Momentum can build from that."

Mackay is hopeful Smith will return for Saturday's clash with Ipswich Town at Portman Road, saying: "He has a groin problem and will miss out against Birmingham City. We are having him scanned, but it's not felt the problem is long-term."



Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z285UG0vU7

" Joe Mason on Cardiff City standby for Birmingham City clash "



Joe Mason is standing by to make his first Championship start of the season when Cardiff City play Birmingham City in a Championship home clash on Tuesday.

Tommy Smith, who suffered a groin injury during the 3-0 win against Blackpool, and Jordon Mutch, on the mend after a foot problem, are both ruled out of the 7.45pm clash.

Mason is one of several players who could step in for Smith, but he is expected to be given the nod after going on from the substitutes bench against Blackpool.

That is expected to be the only change to manager Malky Mackay's starting line-up after an outstanding team display against Blackpool.


"Our win against Blackpool was the result of as complete a team performance as we have had bearing in mind the quality of our opposition," said Mackay. "Blackpool will be there or thereabouts this season.

"But we aren't getting carried away with anything yet. We have only played eight League matches. We have to keep working hard in a League which is unforgiving.

"As soon as a team focuses on anything other than the task in hand then they can hit trouble.

"But we have a group of players intent on working hard for the team and each other. We are capable of scoring goals from different areas and that's important. It's something we started last season and are looking to build on that.

"Birmingham will pose a difficult test for us but City fans, as always, will play their part. When we play at home noise they make getting behind their team is invaluable.

"Our aim is for the fans to watch see their team attacking the opposition, scoring goals and winning games. Momentum can build from that."

Mackay is hopeful Smith will return for Saturday's clash with Ipswich Town at Portman Road, saying: "He has a groin problem and will miss out against Birmingham City. We are having him scanned, but it's not felt the problem is long-term."



Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z285UG0vU7

You know what I actually fancy mason to get lucky have a good game, maybe grab us a goal, in a cheeky 2-1 win.
Dont think he's ready for a lead role though this season

Id like Kimbo to replace Smith personally. Cant see why we have paid so much and not using him

Surprised Bellamy's probably starting.

How Mason is yet to start this season I do not know.