' Its been said countless times in the last year '

' Its been said countless times in the last year '

By Phil Smith

Cardiff need to bolster their striking ranks with a quick striker. That's been said countless times in the last year but the sight of Dwight Gayle ambling up the touchline in the first-half was a big reminder of the Bluebirds' deficiencies.

Mitrovic was preferred up front today and Cardiff looked much happier playing against a striker of his ilk. The Serbian was one of the few Newcastle players to be frustrated, but Cardiff couldn't live with the lively Perez playing in the pocket.

On the ball, they had simply no outlet in the channels as a not fully fit Lambert was again left without the support he needed. Someone of Gayle's profile would make a huge difference.

Many Bluebirds will mention the name of Frazier Campbell and certainly someone with his legs is needed. You suspect today simply underlined Warnock's determination to move heaven and earth for that kind of player come January.