English League Championship

  • Championship
  • 17 Aug 2012
  • KO 19:45
  • Ground: Cardiff City Stadium
Home team Score Away team

Cardiff City

1-0

Huddersfield Town

Mark Hudson 90+1

Cardiff v Huddersfield preview

Thursday 16th August 2012 12:46

McPhail: Has a tight hamstring

McPhail: Has a tight hamstring

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Team news ahead of Friday night's Championship clash between Cardiff and Huddersfield at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay insists he has no concerns over Stephen McPhail.

The midfielder was withdrawn after 19 minutes of Tuesday's League Cup defeat to Northampton after complaining of a tight hamstring.

McPhail has struggled with the problem in recent weeks but Mackay said it was only a minor setback. Tommy O'Sullivan may deputise again if called upon.

Mackay will be boosted by the return of Kevin McNaughton, Mark Hudson, Ben Turner and Andrew Taylor. All four players sat out the midweek loss with minor niggles but will be fit to face the Terriers.

Summer signing Kim Bo-Kyung is still unavailable as he sorts a work permit. The South Korean winger is expected to be available next weekend.

Jordan Rhodes will lead the line for Huddersfield following his midweek goalscoring exploits for Scotland.

Rhodes, who scored his first senior goal for his country in their 3-1 win over Australia on Wednesday, has reported back fully-fit, while manager Simon Grayson has only one injury concern.

Winger Danny Ward took a knock to his ankle in last week's Capital One Cup defeat at Preston and remains doubtful.

Grayson will therefore have several selection dilemmas as his side kick-off in the second tier for the first time in 11 years, with summer signings Sean Scannell, Paul Dixon, Oliver Norwood, Keith Southern, Adam Clayton, Joel Lynch and Anthony Gerrard all hoping to make their competititve debuts for the Terriers.