Mackay upbeat for Fulham trip

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay insists his team is eager to bounce back from defeat to West Ham in the League Cup with a win over Fulham.

Cardiff came back from two goals down on Tuesday night, but they were undone by a late Ricardo Vaz Te strike to lose 3-2 at Upton Park.

Despite that defeat – their second in three days – Mackay said the atmosphere within the club remains high ahead of Saturday’s trip to Fulham.

“We went into that tie on Tuesday wanting to win it,” he said. “We were unlucky not to take it to extra time, now we focus on Premier League.

“The mood in the camp is good, they’re desperate to get going again against Fulham.

“As I’ve said before there’s a real belief in this side that they’ve shown in the Premier League already this season.”

They face a Fulham side struggling for form in the league, with Martin Jol’s side without a win since the opening day of the season.

Fulham came from behind to beat Everton 2-1 in the League Cup on Tuesday though, and Mackay is not taking anything for granted.

“We know what we’re facing against Fulham,” he added. “They’ve got five or six match winners and a very experienced manager.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

One player who will not be part of Cardiff’s squad is Kevin McNaughton, after the 31-year-old completed a one-month loan deal to Championship side Bolton Wanderers on Friday.