Cardiff City resume their Championship campaign on Saturday with a trip to Blackburn Rovers, ending a three-week international break that saw four fixtures played instead of the traditional two. The pause gave Brian Barry-Murphy's side time to work on fitness, finalise a key appointment, and conclude interviews for two vacant academy roles.
Injured players return to fitness
Dylan Lawlor made his first appearance of the season in the closing stages of the win over Charlton, coming off the bench after recovering from the injury that had kept him out since pre-season. The defender is now expected to return fully fit and will be eager to establish himself in Barry-Murphy's side.
Lawlor was one of Cardiff's standout performers during last season's League One campaign, playing a major role in the promotion push. There is considerable excitement among supporters about seeing the academy graduate test himself at Championship level.
Will Fish, who underwent surgery for a hernia and has not featured this season, was back involved in training shortly before the international break. The extra time on the training ground means Fish is hopeful of being in contention for Saturday's trip to Blackburn.
Alex Robertson withdrew from Australia's international squad during the break, but sources indicated the decision was largely related to workload rather than injury. Rubin Colwill and Isaak Davies have also used the break to build up fitness, while Calum Chambers' knee and neck issues could take time to resolve.
Goalkeeping coach appointment
Cardiff's long-running search for a new goalkeeping coach is ending with the appointment of Craig Samson. The former Sunderland and Hibernian coach replaces Gavin Ward, who departed at the end of last season. Samson previously worked with Barry-Murphy and current Cardiff coach Kevin Gibbins at Rochdale during the 2019/20 season.
The 42-year-old began his playing career at Kilmarnock and represented Dundee United, Ross County, Dundee, Ayr United, St Mirren and Motherwell. He helped St Mirren win the Scottish League Cup in 2013 and played every league game in their Scottish Championship title-winning campaign in 2017/18. He retired from playing in November 2018 to take a coaching position at Sunderland, then spent more than six years in Scottish football, including spells with Hibernian and Aberdeen.
Academy interviews conclude
Cardiff concluded interviews for the vacant Under-21s and Under-18s head coach positions at the beginning of the international window. Both roles have been vacant since the departures of Darren Purse, who took charge of Sligo Rovers, and Tom Hutton, who joined Aaron Ramsey's coaching staff at Oxford United.
The recruitment process has taken time because of 'safer recruitment' protocols, involving additional vetting and safeguarding checks for coaches who will work with children. Interviews are now complete, and the club had been hopeful of announcing both appointments before the end of the international window.
