Coyne talks up in the air

Last updated : 18 July 2002 By Michael Morris
The deal is not dead yet buy Coyne could not come to an initial agreement with Lennie Lawrence. It's thought the clubs have agreed a fee but Coyne is concerned over the drop to Division 2 and his international chances if he is second choice to Neil Alexander. Wales boss Mark Hughes is said to want Danny playing regular first team football if he is to make his mark in the Wales team.

Coyne is currently in Sweden on tour with Grimsby. Lennie is away at Lilleshall with the City squad.

Former Wales keeper Neville Southall is under no doubt that Coyne should go to Ninian Park. He told the Western Mail

"Danny could play in the Premiership no problem. I'm surprised a Premiership club hasn't bought him yet. If Cardiff paid £750,000 for him I would say they've got themselves a bargain. To get him for even less would be fantastic business.

"If Danny asked for my advice I would tell him to join Cardiff. I would tell any player that going to Cardiff is a good move. If I was playing now I'd jump at the chance of signing for them.

"It's an ambitious, go-ahead club and there are not too many of those at the moment. A lot of clubs are using money as an excuse not to be ambitious.

On competing against Neil Alexander Southall continued

"That would be some battle because Neil is also different class. It would be an interesting battle because they are both international goalkeepers.

"I wouldn't like to be in Lennie's shoes with that one - but it would be a nice headache for him to have.

"Lennie says that if he signs Danny he will still start with Neil first and that's fair enough because Neil hasn't done anything wrong. He's in possession of the shirt and Danny knows that. But his presence will put more pressure on Neil and you'll have a situation where one is pushing the other which should be great for the team.

"It's no good having one good goalkeeper and two nuggets. Lennie wanting to sign Danny shows two things - he wants to push Neil and he wants Cardiff to be successful. Even though Neil is doing well at Cardiff he should still go there. He's got to be confident in his own ability. He's got to go there thinking he can do the job. His aim must be to push the other fellow out."