Double Bad-Luck For Cardiff City’s McNaughton

Cardiff City full-back Kevin McNaughton put in a good shift in his last appearance, the 4-2 away victory over Scunthorpe Untied and again showed his versatility after switching to the left, to accomodate Lee Naylor’s departure with replacement Adam Matthews more comfortable on the right.

Although not initially called up, Scotland’s ever growing injury crisis led to a late call-up for the former Aberdeen man when team-mate Chris Burke and others withdrew from the squad to face the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

Unfortunately for Super Kev, he had also picked up a knock and had to decline the opportunity to join his countrymen, another cruel blow as he remains on the fringes of the Scotland squad. Several past occasions have seen him work hard to win a call-up, only for injury to strike and rule him out.

Early on in the match against the Iron, McNaughton produced a spublime moment of skill after bursting forwards, shrugging off several challenges before sending a neat chip over Joe Murphy, but unfortunately just wide of the post. A goal would have capped a fine individual move, and been well deserved for the full-back who has gotten forward to great effect this season. All the Cardiff City fans would love a goal for McNaughton, whose consistent defensive play is a key feature of our style.

It could be argued that McNaughton should stay back, with the wealth of attacking threat available to the Bluebirds. However, his bursts forward and turn of pace have produced great attacking platforms and his understanding and synergy with fellow right-sided player Chris Burke have been a joy to watch. The Scottish duo link up brilliantly.

McNaughton was suffering with a sore ankle following Saturday’s win. Both he and Lee Naylor are currently in contention, and hoping to recover in time for Saturday’s home clash with Nottingham Forest.