Reds Manager David Flitcroft met with the press this afternoon ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Nottingham Forest.
“It has gone quick and to be down to the last three games and a fighting chance to stay in this league, there’s a lot to play for,” said Flitcroft.
“I understand why the boys were nervous against Derby. But we came through that.
“After the game I was genuinely proud of the players.
“I went home clear with what we need to do against Nottingham Forest.
“We’ve had a brilliant meeting and we’re encouraged about the players we’ve got coming back. It’s been a positive 24 hours.”
As far as injuries are concerned, a huge blow is the loss of defender Bobby Hassell to a hamstring injury for the rest of the season, but there are a couple of other defenders looking to
return to action.
“It’s fair to say that any hamstring injury is two to four weeks,” said Flitcroft. “Even the slightest tear is two weeks. Bobby’s out but his experience will carry weight within the squad.
“We’ve got Rob Edwards who is potentially available for Saturday,” he continued. “TK (Tom Kennedy) after his one-game ban. Kelvin (Etuhu) will be in the fold. Daws (Stpehen Dawson) has been upbeat today after being down for a few days. Jim McNulty’s had a good day of training today.
“Certainly the last two games we’ll have a lot of bodies back.
“With the introduction of Andrai (Jones) and Reuben (Noble-Lazarus) into the fold, it’s given me great spirit.
“I think now certainly all of the staff look different upon Reuben. To come off a treatment table a week early and perform at left-back, it’s taken an amount of bravery I admire as much as anyone. It could be the making of Reuben.
“He’s got a big future. We’re working a lot on Reubs.”
Flitcroft admits his side will come up against a ‘bright’ Forest side this Saturday but his team certainly won’t roll over in the fight to survive.
“They’ll be bright. But they’ll have to put a shift in against a Barnsley team that don’t know when they’re beaten.
“I think the best managers in this league are finding consistency difficult. There’s only been one team really that’s been consistent and that’s Cardiff.
“That tells you everything about the strength and the spirit about the fighting teams who have taken points.
“You’re always only one goal away from changing your destiny in football.
“You can’t predict anything. We’ll just do our best and try and perform on Saturday.”
