" Neil Etheridge to Miss Five Wks For Cardiff City "

Why Neil Etheridge now looks set to miss five weeks of Cardiff City's 2018/19 season -

Neil Warnock will need to find some goalkeeping cover in the early weeks of 2019.



Tuesday 27th March 2018


Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge played a key role for his native Philippines as they made history beating Tajikistan 2-1 on Monday.

The victory, which ensured the Philippines qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time in their history, triggered wild celebrations.

They now go through as Third Round Group F winners, joining the likes of Japan, South Korea, China and hosts United Arab Emirates in next year's tournament. Defending champions Australia will also be there, looking to defend their crown from 2015.


However, as pleased as Etheridge's Cardiff teammates will be for him to have made a major international tournament, it means the goalkeeper could miss five matches of the 2018/19 season.

Like the African Cup of Nations, the Asian Cup takes place mid-season, with the UAE based competition taking place between January 5 and February 1 2019.

Depending on how far Philippines progress, Etheridge will likely miss between three and five Cardiff matches.

In an emotional interview after the win, Etheridge said: "I'm trying not to tear up, to be honest.

"10 years ago I joined the team, we didn't have this and I want to thank the fans, we couldn't have done it without them.

"It's like a dream come true.

"We never make it easy for ourselves but I hope things continue to go forward. Baby steps and the reward doesn't come overnight. it's taken 10 years for us to come to this point.

"You only have to watch that game, the heart and the desire we have. We went 1-0 down but we fought to the end and we go down in the history books.

"It's been a tough ride, but thank you to all the fans."


Etheridge has played in every Bluebirds league game bar one this season — the 2-1 defeat to QPR on New Year's Day — and has proven a handy acquisition between the posts.

With Lee Camp now on loan to Sunderland, Etheridge has made the No.1 jersey his own since joining from Walsall.

But, whether Cardiff are in the Premier League next season or not, Neil Warnock will need to find some goalkeeping cover in the early weeks of 2019.

The Bluebirds have Brian Murphy on their books, as well as Chris Konopka , who joined this month to help out in training and Under-23 matches.

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Etheridge's emotional interview

Neil Etheridge has been speaking to local media in Philippines after his country’s victory. He’s full of emotion after a brilliant day for him and his countrymen.


NEIL ETHERIDGE:

I’m trying not to tear up, to be honest.
10 years ago I joined the team, we didn’t have this and I want to thank the fans, we couldn’t have done it without them.
It’s like a dream come true.
We never make it easy for ourselves but I hope things continue to go forward. Baby steps and the reward doesn’t come overnight. it’s taken 10 years for us to come to this point.
You only have to watch that game, the heart and the desire we have. We went 1-0 down but we fought to the end and we go down in the history books.
It’s been a tough ride, but thank you to all the fans.”

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

I sh*t myself reading that headline to start with as I knew he was playing today. But fair play to him, and you can see how much it means to him.

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. First things first, though, many congratulations to Neil and all involved with football in the Phillipines!

At least one of those games will be an FA cup match.

Poop’d myself too with that headline-

By then we’ll have a decent back up with any luck

Goals and red cards from the game here...

https://sports.abs-cbn.com/football/new ... -cup-39544

The draw for the United Arab Emirates-hosted Asian Cup tournament shall be held on May 4, 2018 in Dubai.

The meaning of Azkals is street dogs.

Well done to them

Anyone ever met this guy in person?

Seen other interviews with him bar this and seems like a down to earth bloke, congrats.

Phillipines Number 1!
Phillipines Phillipines Number 1!

Congratulations Neil.

Video of the interview...

https://www.facebook.com/ABSCBNSports/v ... 228837269/

Anyone ever met this guy in person?

Seen other interviews with him bar this and seems like a down to earth bloke, congrats.

Seen him signing autographs and posing for photos before a home game. Had time for everyone. A small group of Filipinos were there, and he gave them a fair but of time. They were well chuffed. Came across as a good bloke.

Phillipines Number 1!
Phillipines Phillipines Number 1!

Congratulations Neil.

[quote="DandoCCFC"]Anyone ever met this guy in person?

Seen other interviews with him bar this and seems like a down to earth bloke

I met him in Viva Brazil, Cardiff. He was happy to have a photo taken with my Daughter and Niece and seemed like a genuinely nice bloke. I complimented him on his amazing performance against Leeds the previous day and jokingly asked him why he couldn’t stop Bambas own goal effort. He laughed and said he wasn’t getting anywhere near it.

One of the best signings NW made for this season - Some on here were calling for Camp The Clown to come in after PNE

Has a good back 4 in front of him - Good Luck to the lad

I think whatever division we will sign another keeper to compete. But yeah brilliant signing and if we go up his advertising appeal will count.