" RUSSELL SLADE SPEAKS OUT/CRAIG NOONE "

Cardiff City's Craig Noone is giving Russell Slade something to think about as boss admits: 'He's delivering right now'

11 AUGUST 2015

BY STEVE TUCKER

Noone started the league campaign sat on the bench, but his contribution since sees him pushing for a return to the starting line-up on Saturday

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade admitted Craig Noone has given him plenty to think about ahead of the Bluebirds’ big Championship clash at QPR on Saturday.

It was Noone who scored the winner as Cardiff made progress to the second round of the Capital One Cup by seeing off League Two AFC Wimbledon 1-0 in the Welsh capital.

On the stroke of half-time Noone curled home a beautiful free-kick to earn victory. It was his second spectacular strike in three days for his side after he equalised in the opening day Championship draw with Fulham on the weekend.

That day Noone came off the bench, but that might not be the case at Loftus Road this weekend Slade suggested.

“It was a really well-taken free-kick from him,” said Slade.

“We had a few chances, but we could not deliver the killer touch. But we were really pleased with Craig’s contribution.

"He scored a fantastic goal against Fulham and a great free-kick here. That is what he is striving for, he’s trying to get that end product. He knows that and he is delivering right now.

“He was always part of my plans, he was linked with a move away, but you want to keep hold of your best players.

“As a manager you want people to asks questions of you and put themselves in the frame for the next game and Craig has put a very strong case forward.”

Slade said the performance from his much-changed side had not been totally fluent, but that he was pleased to make progress as it would help his side’s momentum in the Championship too.

“It’s always a difficult one because there are shocks galore in the first round,” added Slade.

“Championship sides make a lot of changes so sometimes you don’t get that fluency you are looking for, it was patchy, but we managed to get the job done and that was important.

“It’s all about momentum this game and I think we have momentum right now. We’ve got that with us. You get it by working hard and we have to keep it going and take it to QPR with us. I have had cup runs before and they can be a very welcome distraction at times.”

He also knows transfer window open til end of August and Wba watching

Cardiff City boss Russell Slade impressed by Craig Noone

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade says Craig Noone has made a "very strong claim" to start his first Championship game of the season after a second spectacular goal in as many games.


BBC

Noone's fine free-kick saw Cardiff beat AFC Wimbledon 1-0 to reach the second round of the League Cup.

That followed his long-range equaliser after coming on as a substitute against Fulham in the Championship on Saturday.

"Nooney has put a very strong case forward," said Slade.
The Cardiff boss says Noone's goal in their league opener at the weekend was "fantastic" and his free kick against Dons enhanced his starting chances.
"That's what he's striving for and trying to do. And he's delivering right now," said Slade.
"As a manager you want players to ask questions if they're not starting and put themselves in the frame for the very next game."
Meanwhile, Slade insists there have been no talks with striker Kenwyne Jones over a new contract.
Jones is one of Cardiff's highest earners and spent the end of last season on loan at Bournemouth.
It has been reported Cardiff are ready to offer the Trinidad and Tobago international a new deal.
Although Slade says that is not yet the case, he has not ruled out a new contract for Jones.
The former Leyton Orient manager added: "He's now in the last year of his contract and, if he does well, I'd like to think it could be longer term."

I wasn't at the game but what did noone play like? I know he got the goal but apparently he was pretty anonymous

He was in and out of the game as wingers often are but he worked hard and attacked well. Big improvement from his last season.
I gave him MOM.