Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy says Alex Robertson must match the "intensity" of his fellow midfielders to regain his place in the team. Having featured regularly as the Bluebirds were relegated from the Championship last season, Robertson missed the start of this campaign in League One with a leg injury he sustained during pre-season. "He's back in full training and he has to show that he's ready to compete with the other players and, at the moment, he's not, based on a number of factors," said Barry-Murphy.
Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy says Alex Robertson must match the "intensity" of his fellow midfielders to regain his place in the team.
Having featured regularly as the Bluebirds were relegated from the Championship last season, Robertson missed the start of this campaign in League One with a leg injury he sustained during pre-season.
But despite being available for selection for Cardiff's past two matches, the Australia international has been left out of successive matchday squads.
"He's back in full training and he has to show that he's ready to compete with the other players and, at the moment, he's not, based on a number of factors," said Barry-Murphy.
"He obviously got injured in the last game of pre-season, and he's back in full training also, so he will be available once he reaches that level of intensity that's required in the group.
"But it's good news he's pain-free and in full training and ready to compete. For every member of our squad, there's a level of intensity required to compete for a place in the team, and Alex isn't at that level yet based on the volume of training he's had."
Meanwhile, Wales right-back Ronan Kpakio will miss Saturday's League One trip to Wigan Athletic but has avoided serious injury having been withdrawn during last weekend's first defeat of the season at home to Bradford City.
"The scan was really positive," said Barry-Murphy. "There's no tear to the bottom of his foot, which we were slightly concerned about, so that's really good news.
"He won't be available for Saturday, but the big thing for us is there's no long-term damage or anticipated prolonged absence."
Dylan Lawlor missed the match against Bradford and Tuesday's EFL Cup win at Burnley but is close to a return.
"Dylan will train today [Thursday] for the first time since last Friday," said Barry-Murphy.
"So we haven't seen him with us since then and then we'll see how he goes then tomorrow."
Category: General Sports
