Wales Star Backs Cardiff For Upset

Former Newcastle United and Wales midfielder Gary Speed believes Cardiff City have a decent chance of making a dream trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals.


All that stands in the way of the prize and financial windfall is Gareth Southgate’s Middlesborough side who needed over three hours to score a fluke goal and see off Sheffield United in the last round.


Speed believes however that Cardiff City are able to succeed where the Blades could not. He told the SW Echo:



“If I were in Cardiff City shoes I`d fancy our chances against Middlesbrough,”


“Yes, it`s going to be tough because they are in the Premiership but it`s a winnable tie for Cardiff.’

“We were strong and solid at the back and worked hard in midfield but we just lacked that bit of firepower up front. But that is where I see Cardiff as being a danger.’


“They still only beat us with a freak goal so if I were Cardiff I`d be quietly confident.”




Middlesborough have a wealth of talent at their disposal and have enjoyed a good season in the Premiership. They will start as favourites but Cardiff City have performed well in the cup and can take hope from Sheffield United’s resilient performances against Boro.


Cardiff are very much a footballing side and often feel more comfortable playing against similar types of teams. The extra room afforded to Stephen McPhail and Joe Ledley can suit our players and Southgate himself is extremely wary of the Bluebirds.


All eyes to Middlesborough next week, only after we pick up three points in the league against Leicester City.