Cardiff City are still searching for their first Championship win after seven matches, sitting 21st with just four points. Former striker Fraizer Campbell has backed current forward Yousef Salech to be the player who can finally deliver that elusive victory.

Campbell, who scored 19 goals in two seasons for the club between 2013 and 2015, highlighted the need for a clinical finisher during a difficult run. "You need to find someone who, when you're not having a particularly good game, can pop up and score a goal to give you a 1-0 win, especially away from home," he said. His comments come as Cardiff's goal output has slowed, with seven scored and eleven conceded so far this campaign.

Barry-Murphy's belief

Manager Brian Barry-Murphy maintains confidence in his squad's attacking process. "We score goals as a team," Barry-Murphy stated, pointing to Salech's three Carabao Cup strikes this term alongside his one league goal. The manager's philosophy hinges on creating enough chances for his forwards, a system that yielded 91 goals during last season's League One promotion. The immediate challenge is translating that approach to the Championship, where the team's recent form reads LDLLD.

Cardiff's next opportunity arrives at home against sixth-placed Charlton on Saturday, 19 September. A positive result is vital to climb from their current position, ten points adrift of leaders West Ham.

International recognition

Amid the league struggles, there is positive news on the international front. Defender Joel Bagan, 25, is set to make his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland after receiving his first call-up in May. A team-mate, Jack Moylan, retains his place in the squad following his own debut.

Also, 21-year-old midfielder Cian Ashford has earned a call-up to the Wales squad managed by Craig Bellamy. Ashford has been a bright spot in Cardiff's season, contributing two goals and an assist from his significant number of senior appearances for his age. His development is a key part of the club's strategy, blending experienced signings with academy talent.

Another academy product, Joel Colwill, scored in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City last weekend. The young forward has cited Steven Gerrard as his childhood footballing idol. Cardiff will hope these emerging players can provide the spark to turn their season around, starting with the key clash against Charlton. The squad's current depth and form can be tracked via our squad and standings pages.

Read the full report at Wales Online