North West Wales

Dylan MacIsaac
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City defender Will Fish has made his mark in the starting team for much of this season, but faces fierce competition for his spot.

The Bluebirds are blessed with four starting-quality centre-backs, but their system means there is only room for two to get the nod each game.

The former Manchester United man has played the most minutes this season of a group that also contains Calum Chambers, Gabriel Osho and Dylan Lawlor.

Despite phases out of the side, Fish was complimentary of the way that head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has gone about his rotation of the squad.

"We've got four really good players competing for two spots usually," said Fish.

"I think it's healthy competition, we've got four players who get on so there's no bad blood.

"I think he [Barry-Murphy] has done it perfectly. There are times where you might be annoyed that you came out of the team after winning, but I think long-term he obviously knows what he's doing, and the plan he's got in place is working at the minute so why change it?"

Cardiff's squad is littered with young talent, but the experience in the camp has proved key for a brilliant season that sees them four points clear at the top of League One.

Barry-Murphy has rotated his centre-backs, with each one of the four impressing when they have been selected.

"It's not something that we planned or consciously looked to do; it's just purely based on the form of all those players," the Irishman said.

"It's not straightforward. I think it becomes very straightforward if one or more are not performing.

"We saw from the very start of the season that Dylan and Will did such a great job.

"There's been different times where different members of that four have not played but they've all reacted in exactly the right manner.

"It's very competitive and that's the way it has to be."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Cardiff City striker Yousef Salech is back in training following his neck injury, but head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has warned his return will need to be carefully managed.

Salech damaged ligaments in his neck during the League One leaders' 1-1 draw with Stockport on 24 January.

The 24-year-old had a hospital scan to determine the severity of the injury and, although it was determined to be not serious, it has kept him out of training until this week.

Having said last weekend Salech was "not close" to a return, Barry-Murphy said on Thursday: "He's back on the pitch today doing some running and then to see how he progresses from there before he re-enters training with the team.

"It's step by step and we're still keen not to put any timescales on it, due to the nature of what he's gone through and what he likely will experience in his return to play.

"He's in really good spirits. If the running goes well today and continues next week, at some stage he re-enters into training with the team, things can progress pretty quickly."

Meanwhile, centre-back Gabriel Osho should be available for Saturday's League One trip to Plymouth Argyle (12:30 GMT) after missing Tuesday's 4-1 win over AFC Wimbledon, but forward Isaak Davies remains a doubt following concussion.

"We anticipate both will train this afternoon," said Barry-Murphy.

"In Gabriel's case, it should be pretty straightforward. Isaak less so, just going to see how he reacts to his first exposure with the team and take it from there."