Loovens or Johnson for Cardiff?

With Cardiff City’s threadbare squad seemingly at breaking point, one other selction headache presents itself to Dave Jones, this time a far more pleasant one.

For despite a lack of cover in virtually every position, Cardiff City have 3 very capable centre-backs vying for the two positions. The first choice pairing all season has been Purse and Loovens but for the last 2 games (Ipswich and Colchester), Loovens has only made the bench while Purse and Johnson have formed the centre back partnership.

Loovens suffered a groin strain in the 3-0 defeat by Stoke City and was only fit for the bench in the last 2 games, he is now fully fit and ready, if selected, to resume his place. Loovens is an excellent all-round defender and has been a star player for City so far this season while Darren Purse is the experienced captain, named man-of-the-match against Ipswich and branded a ‘lone voice’ on-field for City.

Dave Jones may bring back Loovens but of the 2 goals conceded since Johnson played, 1 was a dubious penalty and the other from a corner. Johnson is excellent in the air but not quite so assured as Loovens on the floor.

Whoever Dave Jones selects for the trip to Hull City, it at least makes a change to have a ‘nice’ selection headache and not be forced into selections by injuries and suspensions.

3-5-2 anyone?