Neil Warnock could put his trust in Irish goalkeeper Brian Murphy when Cardiff City take on Brentford in London on Boxing Day (1pm kick-off).
It’s clear manager Warnock has lost trust in Ben Amos, who produced a disastrous performance in the last match against Barnsley, and will surely be signing a new goalkeeper when the January transfer window opens.
In the meantime, though, they may turn to experienced former Manchester City and Swansea City man Murphy, who has yet to play a first team appearance for City
The 33-year-old played for the Bluebirds’ under-23 team in their 3-1 midweek win against Coventry City and produced a solid display.
Murphy was brought in by Cardiff following the departures of captain David Marshall and Simon Moore, who joined Hull and Sheffield United respectively.
He has only made 55 league starts in the past 13 years during a career that has seen him spend time at Peterborough and Ipswich plus Manchester City, Swansea, QPR and Portsmouth.
Murphy is a former gaelic football, hurling and rugby union player who looked set for a sporting career outside football. He was talented rugby fly-half, but decided on goalkeeping after being spotted by Manchester City.
Warnock also has young goalkeeper Ben Wilson available, but could well opt for experience.
Warnock has pledged to make changes at the back for the next City match, at Brentford, with Amos and Matt Connolly both in line to drop out.
Cardiff will again be without Sol Bamba, who is facing further suspension after being charged by the Football Association for alleged insulting and/or threatening behaviour in the draw at Ipswich.
Warnock would not talk about individuals during his press conference after the Barnsley home defeat and when asked about Amos he said: “I don’t want to talk about individuals.”
City’s back four against Brentford on Boxing Day could be: Murphy; Peltier, Morrison (capt), Manga, Bennett.
Aron Gunnarsson, Peter Whittingham, Junior Hoilett plus either Craig Noone or Kadeem Harris, who is a former Brentford winger.
Anthony Pilkington and the emerging Kenneth Zohore will surely lead the attack with Rickie Lambert among the substitutes.
Cardiff make the trip to Brentford on Boxing Day, while their final match of 2016 is at Brighton on Friday, December 30 (7.45pm).
More than 3,300 Aston Villa fans will follow their team to Cardiff City Stadium on Monday, January 2 (3pm), while Fulham are at the CCS in an FA Cup tie on Sunday, January 8 (11.30am).
After the cup clash, Cardiff go to Bristol City for the Severnside derby on Saturday, January 8 (Noon).
