The Bluebirds' stand-in skipper saw red for a second bookable offence just over two months after being given his marching orders in a Carling Cup clash between the arch rivals.

Boss Dave Jones admitted McPhail's second yellow for kicking the ball away possibly cost Cardiff all three points after the Swans hit back to level the clash at 2-2, but Bothroyd is backing the midfielder to bounce back.

"Steve is very upset and knows he didn't act in a professional manner," said Bothroyd in the South Wales Echo. "He has apologised to the lads, but he's really down and distraught.

"Steve reacted in the heat of the battle, he knows that and is disappointed.

"But there will be other games this season where we know he will have a major say for us."