' BEN TURNER RETURNS '

Ben Turner set to return for Cardiff City clash with Bristol City

Feb 11 2013


' Cardiff City's Ben Turner is back in the team '


CARDIFF CITY boss Malky Mackay is hoping to have centre-half Ben Turner fit for Saturday’s clash with Bristol City.

Turner missed the Bluebirds’ 0-0 draw at Huddersfield at the weekend with an ankle problem and his manager admitted he kept the 25-year-old out of the firing line for fear of making the injury worse.

Mackay moved Matthew Connolly to centre-half to partner skipper Mark Hudson and brought stalwart Kevin McNaughton in at full-back.

But after McNaughton cut his head and was forced off at half-time requiring stitches, youngster Ben Nugent was brought into the centre of the Bluebirds’ defence.

“We just thought that if we did play Ben Turner there might be the risk that he might be out for a little bit more time,” said Mackay.

“Maybe we needed to give him just a little bit more recovery time He will be with the physios for the early part of the week.

“We will build him up towards Saturday, but that is something we can deal with in the week.

“Young Ben Nugent stepped in again and I thought he belied his age with the maturity and the calmness he showed in the second half.

“In particular that showed when he started stepping in front of James Vaughan to win headers.”



Mackay said that he also expected McNaughton to be fine within a few days after his injury.

“It wasn’t a dirty game, but it was an uncompromising one. It was a full-on Championship encounter,” said Mackay.

“Kevin showed a lot of bravery. Our doctor and our medical team are exceptional and they will be taking very good care of him. Kevin will be fine in a few days.”

After their nearest rivals also dropped points, the draw against the Terriers extended the Bluebirds lead at the top of the table to 11 points.

“That was very much a point gained for us against a side who are six unbeaten at home and playing for their management,” said Mackay.

“Huddersfield got a lot of bodies in front of the ball, particularly in the second half. It was a tricky pitch, probably the worst we’ve played on.

“That being the case it’s a point gained.”

I’m very proud of my players for the discipline they showed.”



Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z2KXwZhGGe

Ben reTurner



You're welcome

Think Turner has a lot to prove.. I have not been impressed with him but after Leeds he done okay.

Think Turner has a lot to prove.. I have not been impressed with him but after Leeds he done okay.

He hasn't looked as sharp this season.
Can't put my finger on why, he hasn't played badly and has made some great defensive tackles but just lacking some form that xfactor.
I wonder if its fitness I don't know.

Ipswich game I have became a massive critic.

i think people question him because he's not a footballer as such, just good at defending. can't play a top pass of be 100% in control at his feet but on the other hand u just can't get past him. he's solid. we've got no reason to worry cos we keep clean sheets when he's there. he's doing just fine.

I really rate Ben Turner, He's a rock at the back but hopefully he'll have a great game against the Wurzels

I like Turner, and will forever love him for that goal at Wembley.

That said for a man of his strength and size I am a little surpised how he gets bumped a bit by some forwards in the Championship.

Perhaps with experience he will get better at this, but again for a man his size and physique, I'd hope he learns how to get into an oppo forward's personal space, make them feel uncomfortable and force them sideways - a tactic we learnt in rugby as well as parks footie, a man his size should never let anyone pass him.

I like Turner, but it is just that aspect that, to me, is just a bit surprising.

All that said, when he runs over to the Ninian just before kick off applauding us fans - love it.

Have you noticed that he is not carrying so much weight as last season,looks a lot trimmer, perhaps that is why

just think like alot of big blokes he might be a little step back on the nasty stuff, doesn't come naturally to him. Don Murray wasn't the biggest but he was one of the nastiest, like Tommy Smith

just think like alot of big blokes he might be a little step back on the nasty stuff, doesn't come naturally to him. Don Murray wasn't the biggest but he was one of the nastiest, like Tommy Smith

that would be Tommy Smith of Liverpool, mind, sorry!

We will need him against the Worzels. A big physical side with that clumsy lump Stead up front. He caused us no end of problems earlier in the season, and Turner is the one to stop him.

Previously Stead has given both Hudson and Connolly a hard time. He won't get the better of Turner though.

Turner and hudson my pairing for center halfs always

Personally think Turner should be sent to the development team for a few games, he has been poor.. even though we haven't let in many.

Not too bothered who plays in defence as we seem solid with Connolly or nugent at centre half. More worried about the lack of goals