Stuart O’Keefe believes Cardiff City are on the verge of something special as they chase promotion back to the Premier League.
The Bluebirds midfielder scored the winner in Saturday’s 2-1 win over rivals Derby that took them within two points of their rivals.
O’Keefe is convinced City can sneak their way into the play-offs – Russell Slade’s seventh-place side face leaders Burnley on Tuesday – and create club history.
The ex-Crystal Palace player, said: “It we do it I think it would be one of the greatest achievement of Cardiff City. It would be fantastic.
“Just before I came here there was a massive squad, something like 50 players.
“We have managed to cut that, we’ve been hit with an embargo, it’s not been easy with the fans and the change of colour.
“A lot has gone on since we were in the Premier League.
“So for us to make the play-offs and go up it would be incredible for this group of lads. It would be something special.
“But if we can sneak in there is no reason why we can’t go all the way as the play-offs are a lottery.
“I got to the Premier League with Palace that way when we weren’t expected to beat Brighton or Watford.
“But we have got real belief now that we can beat anyone at home and be in that top six.
“This win against Derby was a big statement to the rest of the league and hopefully we can kick-on and take this into Tuesday’s game at Burnley.”
Centre-back Bruno Manga gave City the 37th minute lead from Peter Whittingham’s corner in front of a stadium record league crowd of 28,680.
And though Chris Martin levelled for the Rams O’Keefe steered home the winner on 68 minutes.
It was his second goal in five games having finally cemented his place in a team.
O’Keefe joined City in January last year but has only become a regular in the past two months having initially been seen by Slade as a back-up player.
He admitted: “It was very tough. There are times you doubt yourself but you just have to work hard.
“It was frustrating as all you want to do is play in front of fans, score goals, be a part of it, be a footballer.
“But football is a waiting game at times.
“You just have to get on with it. There’s no time for spitting your toys out and moaning and moping.
“You have to back the people who are playing and when you are playing you expect the same from the lads you are keeping out of the team.”
