Bluebirds to bounce back

Last updated : 09 August 2005 By Gary Fish

Cardiff City midfielder Kevin Cooper has revealed he was "in shock" after seeing Ipswich and Wales U21 goalkeeper Lewis Price make a wonder-save to deny Cardiff City a point on Saturday at Portman Road.

The youngster - who is expected to be named tomorrow in John Toshack's Wales squad to face Slovenia in Swansea next week - made a point-blank reflex save in the dying minutes to prevent Bluebirds substitute Alan Lee from netting his first goal since January.

Cooper said Price will probably never make a save like it again in his career.

"I was in shock after he made the save. I still can't believe he pulled it off," said Cooper.

"I was standing on the edge of the penalty box, right behind Alan who did everything right. He struck the ball fantastically well and I thought it was a goal.

"But the 'keeper saved it and one of their defenders hacked it clear.

"It was a remarkable save, one the 'keeper probably won't reproduce for the rest of his career.

"Alan was in shock that he hadn't scored and so was I. I thought it was 1-1."

City, who are looking to push for the play offs after a disappointing last campaign have two tough home games this week - Leeds tonight and Watford on Friday.

And Cooper believes that his side have a good chance of getting some points this week.

He added: "We felt we deserved a bit more from the Ipswich game. For an away team, we applied ourselves the right way. We were gutted not to get anything from it.

"Now we've got to turn it around against Leeds. Then we've got Watford at home and Derby away. They're all winnable games.

"We're looking to get some points in the bag as soon as possible.

"The start is everything. If you don't get a decent start then you find yourself chasing the pack. I remember that from my time at Wolves.

"If you get points early on it gives you a massive boost and brings everyone together.

"The sooner you get to the 40-point mark the better as you can kick on from there."

When Leeds and Cardiff get together, there is normally something to talk about for years to come. Be it fan trouble or a memorable match, like their FA Cup tie in 2002 where Cardiff won 2-1.

Cooper continued: "With Leeds coming to Cardiff you know the atmosphere is going to be electric and hopefully it will inspire us.

"This is our first home game of the season and we're all looking forward to it.

"Leeds have signed a lot of players. They're a big, strong side and well organised. But we don't have anything to fear.

"People were expecting us to get beaten at Ipswich but we went there with no fear. The spirit in the camp is second to none."