Mcnaughton set to be city's 'man in the mask'
Thu Feb 14, 2013 5:30 am
CARDIFF CITY defender Kevin McNaughton is set to take on the role of the man in the mask this weekend.
The Scotland full-back suffered two bad blows to the face during Cardiff’s goalless draw at Huddersfield last Saturday and was led off after the second incident.
McNaughton, 30, sustained a bad cut to his face but is set to be included in the squad for the visit of Bristol City by donning a protective mask worn in the past by the likes of former England stars Paul Gascoigne and John Terry and Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
“Kevin has made good progress this week and is more than hopeful of being available on Saturday,” confirmed Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay.
“But he may have to wear some sort of covering, perhaps a small mask, to protect his face.
“That will be decided later but we have to be aware Kevin took two bangs to the head in five minutes, both the result of accidental collisions.
“There was no malice in that at all but he has been checked out completely.
“Our medical staff will continue to assess him in the next 24 hours before we make a final decision.”
McNaughton, however, might be relegated to the bench anyway as central defender Ben Turner is likely to be fit for the Severnside derby, which kicks off at 1pm.
Turner missed the Huddersfield game with an ankle injury but is set to reclaim his place at the heart of the defence with Matthew Connolly switched across the back four to right-back.
“Ben was not far off last weekend but we did not want to risk him making the injury worse,” said Mackay.
“We’ll assess Ben and Kevin but we are hopeful both will be okay for Bristol City.”
More than 25,000 spectators are expected at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday to see whether the Bluebirds can continue their fine form.
Hull cut the gap at the top to eight points courtesy of Tuesday night’s 2-1 home dwin over Derby, but Cardiff are unbeaten in eight games and have only conceded twice in that time.
Mackay’s men have not played at home since a goalless draw with Ipswich on January 12, so the Scot is expecting a big derby atmosphere on Saturday.
“Our fans never cease to amaze me,” said Mackay, whose side have another game against Brighton the following Tuesday.
“We have nine Championship home matches left and it would be fantastic if we hit that 25,000 mark in each and every one.
“The noise that many fans create is a joy for home players.
“Bluebirds supporters create a special atmosphere at our stadium and that can make visiting teams tentative.
“The players appreciate that home support – and the links between team and fans which will drive us on.”
Cardiff have attracted a total 308,000 spectators over the first 14 home games this season at an average of 22,000-plus.
The biggest turn-out was 26,098 for the win against Palace on Boxing Day and now Mackay wants to see those numbers climb as his team close in on their dream.
The Bluebirds have secured a remarkable 37 league points from a possible 42 at home, setting a club record 10 successive victories to fire up their promotion challenge.
Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z2KqfRuWAE
The Scotland full-back suffered two bad blows to the face during Cardiff’s goalless draw at Huddersfield last Saturday and was led off after the second incident.
McNaughton, 30, sustained a bad cut to his face but is set to be included in the squad for the visit of Bristol City by donning a protective mask worn in the past by the likes of former England stars Paul Gascoigne and John Terry and Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
“Kevin has made good progress this week and is more than hopeful of being available on Saturday,” confirmed Bluebirds boss Malky Mackay.
“But he may have to wear some sort of covering, perhaps a small mask, to protect his face.
“That will be decided later but we have to be aware Kevin took two bangs to the head in five minutes, both the result of accidental collisions.
“There was no malice in that at all but he has been checked out completely.
“Our medical staff will continue to assess him in the next 24 hours before we make a final decision.”
McNaughton, however, might be relegated to the bench anyway as central defender Ben Turner is likely to be fit for the Severnside derby, which kicks off at 1pm.
Turner missed the Huddersfield game with an ankle injury but is set to reclaim his place at the heart of the defence with Matthew Connolly switched across the back four to right-back.
“Ben was not far off last weekend but we did not want to risk him making the injury worse,” said Mackay.
“We’ll assess Ben and Kevin but we are hopeful both will be okay for Bristol City.”
More than 25,000 spectators are expected at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday to see whether the Bluebirds can continue their fine form.
Hull cut the gap at the top to eight points courtesy of Tuesday night’s 2-1 home dwin over Derby, but Cardiff are unbeaten in eight games and have only conceded twice in that time.
Mackay’s men have not played at home since a goalless draw with Ipswich on January 12, so the Scot is expecting a big derby atmosphere on Saturday.
“Our fans never cease to amaze me,” said Mackay, whose side have another game against Brighton the following Tuesday.
“We have nine Championship home matches left and it would be fantastic if we hit that 25,000 mark in each and every one.
“The noise that many fans create is a joy for home players.
“Bluebirds supporters create a special atmosphere at our stadium and that can make visiting teams tentative.
“The players appreciate that home support – and the links between team and fans which will drive us on.”
Cardiff have attracted a total 308,000 spectators over the first 14 home games this season at an average of 22,000-plus.
The biggest turn-out was 26,098 for the win against Palace on Boxing Day and now Mackay wants to see those numbers climb as his team close in on their dream.
The Bluebirds have secured a remarkable 37 league points from a possible 42 at home, setting a club record 10 successive victories to fire up their promotion challenge.
Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballna ... z2KqfRuWAE
Re: Mcnaughton set to be city's 'man in the mask'
Thu Feb 14, 2013 7:32 am
I'm glad you stickied this. Wouldn't want to miss such important news.
Re: Mcnaughton set to be city's 'man in the mask'
Thu Feb 14, 2013 12:54 pm
Will VT insist on a red mask though?........... 
Re: Mcnaughton set to be city's 'man in the mask'
Thu Feb 14, 2013 1:55 pm
Sooo.... Kev might wear a mask?