Alex Robertson is thriving in a deeper midfield role for Cardiff City as the team looks to shore up its defence. The Australian international, who made 38 appearances last season, has been asked to play further back by head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

Robertson said he is enjoying the new responsibilities. "I'm just learning every day," he said. "I've got a great coach and staff to learn and develop from."

Barry-Murphy is delighted with the 23-year-old's adaptation. "I'm very pleased with him, his progress has been outstanding," the manager said. With the departure of Ryan Wintle, the focus has shifted to Robertson as a creative player who can also help the team from a deeper area. The coaching staff is working intensively to make him more aware of the defensive side of the game, including his positioning and pressing triggers.

This tactical shift comes at a vital time. Cardiff sit 21st in the Championship standings with just four points from their opening seven games. Their recent form shows no wins in five, with the latest a 1-0 defeat away to Bolton Wanderers last Saturday. The team has conceded 11 goals while scoring only seven, a record they must improve to move up the table.

Barry-Murphy acknowledged the need for balance. His side is built to attack but must become stronger defensively to climb the table. Several players in the squad are new to the Championship this season, and the group is still adapting to the league's physical and tactical demands. The manager pointed to the team's overall stats, particularly the goals conceded column, as an area requiring immediate attention.

The immediate focus turns to the next Championship fixtures, starting with a home match against Charlton on Saturday, 19 September. Robertson, for his part, is focused on contributing. "I just keep trying to play as many games and minutes as I can," he said, a mindset the struggling Bluebirds will need as they aim to turn their season around. Barry-Murphy confirmed the team has no new major injuries to report ahead of the key match.

Read the full report at bbc.com