" ANTHONY PILKINGTON "
Fri Feb 19, 2016 7:46 pm
" No one expected Anthony Pilkington to be Cardiff City's go-to man for goals, but this unexpected turn of events could yet help him on the plane to France and Euro 2016 "
19/02/16
BY PHIL SMITH
Pilkington has made an encouraging start in the role but knows the goals must now come if he is to fulfil aspirations for both club and country.
In his recent autobiography 'The Second Half', Roy Keane spoke about how much he was enjoying getting around the country and watching his fellow Irishmen ply their trade.
Will he be scheduling a trip to the Cardiff City Stadium anytime soon, I wonder?
If so, he may be able to report to boss Martin O'Neill that they have another option to lead their line in France.
No one expected Russell Slade to turn to Anthony Pilkington to plug the gap left by the sale of Kenwyne Jones, but few can criticise the industry and quality he has brought to the role.
With consecutive 0-0 draws against struggling opposition, Cardiff look to be crying out for a goal scorer in the mould of Jordan Rhodes or Andre Gray.
Pilkington, however, knows that he was within a poor linesman's call and the fingertips of the goalkeeper from firing the Bluebirds to a win at Charlton last week.
And he is confident that he can be the man Slade needs to close the gap on the play-offs.
He said: "It’s been good, I’ve enjoyed it. I’m happy when playing. I missed some football last year so I’m just happy to be out there.
"I was not bothered when the manager asked me. I will try to do a good job wherever I play."
A good job he certainly has done. Though he has looked a little rough around the edges and might not have a real poacher's instinct, some clever runs and stinging efforts have shown he is no rookie in the role.
The Ireland international was able to reveal today just why that may be.
"When I was a young lad I played as a striker and in non-league I played there. It's all coming back to me. You have to be a bit more selfish.
"Trying to score goals, getting on crosses. It's a different role. A lot more physical, battling centre-halves and competing.
"Look at the teams who have gone up and have a scorer that got 15 goals, that's what we've been lacking. Hopefully with the chances we're creating, the goals will come. We've had some unlucky decisions."
If Pilkington's luck does turn and the goals his all round play deserve begin to flow, he knows he will make himself a major asset for Martin O'Neill.
Shane Long has been in excellent form for Southampton, but Robbie Keane is ageing and Jonathan Walters is not a Stoke City regular.
With Daryl Murphy in underwhelming form for Ipswich Town, there could be a vacancy for someone whose confidence is up.
While focused firmly on the play-off push, Pilkington knows this as well as anyone.
He said: "I’m just concentrating on playing for Cardiff. I would love to be part of it for Ireland, not many players get that chance. I missed games for Ireland last season. Hopefully I can keep fit and try and get in there. A few goals now would be timely, as a striker it’s about scoring goals."
Cardiff City have made a major gamble in leaving themselves without a reliable striker at this level, and another game or two without a goal could effectively end their play-off hopes.
But Russell Slade seems fairly relaxed about the issue, which is testament to the faith he has in Pilkington.
He said: "He's scored a couple of goals, had a couple ruled out for offside when not offside. It's unfortunate, he just needs that confidence.
"I take the view he's done well, stretching the opposition, he's a willing runner. He can score a goal, he's very calm in the box and scores a lot in training. He's not scored in the last couple but we have to show faith."
Unless Kenneth Zohore can quickly settle and show his talent, Anthony Pilkington may well now hold they key to Cardiff's season.
He has always been a reliable player, but now he could well Russell Slade's most important.
Whether he can build on his encouraging start as a striker and start scoring could decide how big that gap to sixth spot is come crunch time in this campaign.
If he does, he may well receive a visit from Roy Keane while he's at it.
19/02/16
BY PHIL SMITH
Pilkington has made an encouraging start in the role but knows the goals must now come if he is to fulfil aspirations for both club and country.
In his recent autobiography 'The Second Half', Roy Keane spoke about how much he was enjoying getting around the country and watching his fellow Irishmen ply their trade.
Will he be scheduling a trip to the Cardiff City Stadium anytime soon, I wonder?
If so, he may be able to report to boss Martin O'Neill that they have another option to lead their line in France.
No one expected Russell Slade to turn to Anthony Pilkington to plug the gap left by the sale of Kenwyne Jones, but few can criticise the industry and quality he has brought to the role.
With consecutive 0-0 draws against struggling opposition, Cardiff look to be crying out for a goal scorer in the mould of Jordan Rhodes or Andre Gray.
Pilkington, however, knows that he was within a poor linesman's call and the fingertips of the goalkeeper from firing the Bluebirds to a win at Charlton last week.
And he is confident that he can be the man Slade needs to close the gap on the play-offs.
He said: "It’s been good, I’ve enjoyed it. I’m happy when playing. I missed some football last year so I’m just happy to be out there.
"I was not bothered when the manager asked me. I will try to do a good job wherever I play."
A good job he certainly has done. Though he has looked a little rough around the edges and might not have a real poacher's instinct, some clever runs and stinging efforts have shown he is no rookie in the role.
The Ireland international was able to reveal today just why that may be.
"When I was a young lad I played as a striker and in non-league I played there. It's all coming back to me. You have to be a bit more selfish.
"Trying to score goals, getting on crosses. It's a different role. A lot more physical, battling centre-halves and competing.
"Look at the teams who have gone up and have a scorer that got 15 goals, that's what we've been lacking. Hopefully with the chances we're creating, the goals will come. We've had some unlucky decisions."
If Pilkington's luck does turn and the goals his all round play deserve begin to flow, he knows he will make himself a major asset for Martin O'Neill.
Shane Long has been in excellent form for Southampton, but Robbie Keane is ageing and Jonathan Walters is not a Stoke City regular.
With Daryl Murphy in underwhelming form for Ipswich Town, there could be a vacancy for someone whose confidence is up.
While focused firmly on the play-off push, Pilkington knows this as well as anyone.
He said: "I’m just concentrating on playing for Cardiff. I would love to be part of it for Ireland, not many players get that chance. I missed games for Ireland last season. Hopefully I can keep fit and try and get in there. A few goals now would be timely, as a striker it’s about scoring goals."
Cardiff City have made a major gamble in leaving themselves without a reliable striker at this level, and another game or two without a goal could effectively end their play-off hopes.
But Russell Slade seems fairly relaxed about the issue, which is testament to the faith he has in Pilkington.
He said: "He's scored a couple of goals, had a couple ruled out for offside when not offside. It's unfortunate, he just needs that confidence.
"I take the view he's done well, stretching the opposition, he's a willing runner. He can score a goal, he's very calm in the box and scores a lot in training. He's not scored in the last couple but we have to show faith."
Unless Kenneth Zohore can quickly settle and show his talent, Anthony Pilkington may well now hold they key to Cardiff's season.
He has always been a reliable player, but now he could well Russell Slade's most important.
Whether he can build on his encouraging start as a striker and start scoring could decide how big that gap to sixth spot is come crunch time in this campaign.
If he does, he may well receive a visit from Roy Keane while he's at it.
Re: " ANTHONY PILKINGTON "
Fri Feb 19, 2016 8:03 pm
At Charlton, first time I saw Pilkington as a striker and he impressed me. Will always give 100%, that's what I like about him 
Re: " ANTHONY PILKINGTON "
Fri Feb 19, 2016 9:10 pm
Ive watched pilkington miss lots of sitters playing as a winger, he is no way clinical enough and the natural goalscorer we are crying out for imo.
Saadi could be imo but slade seems to leave talent out all the time. Pilkington as a striker for the rest of the season could be another masterstroke by slade which sees him and this cardiff side fail.
Hope im proved wrong but just my opinion pilkington wont be going to the euros or wont score us the goals to get into the play offs.
Saadi could be imo but slade seems to leave talent out all the time. Pilkington as a striker for the rest of the season could be another masterstroke by slade which sees him and this cardiff side fail.
Hope im proved wrong but just my opinion pilkington wont be going to the euros or wont score us the goals to get into the play offs.
Re: " ANTHONY PILKINGTON "
Fri Feb 19, 2016 9:22 pm
Thought pilks has done well as a striker, but should be more a second striker or attacking midfielder. Him and Lawrence seem very similar so both really need someone to play alongside. Immers is also an attacking midfielder so unless Zahora turns out to be worth it the loan signings haven't really solved anything as we still don't have an out and out striker. Can we recall either Le Fondre or Doyle as although neither are brilliant we have been creating recently and just need someone who can stick them away.
Re: " ANTHONY PILKINGTON "
Sat Feb 20, 2016 9:35 am
worcester_ccfc wrote:At Charlton, first time I saw Pilkington as a striker and he impressed me. Will always give 100%, that's what I like about him
I agree Ned he always works his socks off & gives 100%
