Keinan Impresses On Cardiff City Debut

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones took the unusual decision to hand new signing Dekel Keinan his debut in the hard fought derby game against Swansea City – a massive occasion to mark his first Bluebirds appearance.

The Israeli International joined from Blackpool, having found first team opportunities hard to come by in the Premiership. The Seasiders fans were somewhat split on Keinan, based on his limited appearances for them – but there were enough positive reports to suggest he can have an impact.

The obvious fact is that we won the game, but even more noticable was that we actually kept a clean sheet – almost unheard of for the Bluebirds, especially away from home. Swansea City have struggled for goals in the past, but have made significant strides over the past few months adding Scott Sinclair to supplement their lone striker.

The clean sheet cannot be attributed to Keinan alone. Mark Hudson was outstanding, while McNaughton and latterly Darcy Blake both impressed. Paul Quinn was given a tough assignment in keeping Sinclair quiet, a feat he largely managed if a little ‘agriculturally’ at times.

Keinan though was assured, controlled and defensively sound. He won plenty in the air, and managed to keep Luke Moore quiet. He was also given the important task of marshalling Pratley’s late runs which he also managed despite hitting the deck a little easily on occasions.

All-in-all, it was a very promising debut for Keinan and we looked a much better defensive unit with the Israeli partnering the ever-improving Hudson. There are suggestions we lack pace at the back, and Keinan did not appear particularly pacy. Nevertheless, he will certainly keep his place for next weekend’s game against Scunthorpe United and will be hoping for another shut-out.