Cardiff City manager Dave Jones took the unusual step of switching the versatile Kevin McNaughton to centre-half last night as the Bluebirds lined-up to face Leeds United. That meant a vacancy to be filled at right-back, which he opted to fill with former Motherwell full-back Paul Quinn.
That move was a particular suprise since both Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews were named on the bench, both having significantly more gametime this season than Quinn. In fact, the Scotsman had only featured briefly at the start of the season (10 mins of league action, 40 minutes League cup – all three as sub)
Forgotten man Quinn had a very solid game and gave a good account of himself. He was up against the dangerous Max Gradel, the in-form Leeds winger is a lively prospect and has been courted by Premiership clubs in recent weeks. Quinn managed to keep him quiet for much of the game, and Gradel was withdrawn midway during the second half.
It was a typically determined and committed performance from Quinn, and those who like to see marauding runs, silky skills and attacking threats from a full-back are always likely to be disappointed. This wass, however, what City needed – a bit of grit and steel at the back, following months of poor performances and slack defending. He also added a voice at the back, another quality we have lacked for the majority of the season.
There was one moment for serious concern early in the second half when Gradel outpaced Quinn easily in pursuit of a pass down the Leeds left, Quinn looked to be running through mud and in slow motion but thankfully the speedy Gradel was unable to reach the ball before it went out.
Later in the game, Quinn was forced off after a clash of heads drew blood. He was replaced by Darcy Blake for the final 15 minutes but returned sporting a head bandage following the final whistle. Quinn produced a good display, especially having missed so much action and he deserves to keep his place for the FA Cup clash with Stoke City this weekend.
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