Margetson ready for biggest challenge

Last updated : 05 April 2003 By Michael Morris

Injury and illness forces Neil Alexander out of today clash with QPR. Martyn Margetson, City's vastly experienced No'2 is ready to step in.

"I've been waiting for my chance. I've had to be patient. It has been hard but I knew the situation at Cardiff before I came to the club.

"I've been in this position before during my career. I don't grumble, I just work hard and wait for my opportunity - and here it is.

"What has happened to Neil is unfortunate. But one play-er's misfortune can be another player's good luck.

"I want to play for Cardiff, but so does Neil and Mark Walton.

"There's good competition at the club and we all get on. I'm not just saying that. We do have a healthy respect for one another.

"I'm really looking forward to the QPR game and I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself."

Margetson has played only one league game this season, the 1 - 0 home win over Wycombe. Alexander was on Scotland duty for that game and Margetson kept a clean sheet in his absence.

Martyn has been a regular for the reserves, LDV and FAW Cup teams. He has prove himself to be a very competent keeper and many have called for his inclusion sooner. Now he has his chance.

Martyn was in goal for FAW defeat at Newport.

"Whenever I've played for Cardiff I don't think I've let anyone down. Everyone who played against Newport was bitterly disappointed with the result.

"To be fair to the gaffer he said the only players who came out of that game with any credit were myself and James Collins.

"Looking at it in a selfish way, I thought I did my job. I kept a clean sheet during the 120 minutes, although I was disappointed I didn't save any of Newport's penalties."

With that defeat behind him Martyn is part of the push for promotion, he went to La Manga with the squad during their 15 day break from league action and is ready for the final stages of the season.

"Sometimes it's nice to have a break. We had a few days in Spain at the La Manga training camp, but that was no jolly.

"We trained twice a day and the lads were on fire. Those sessions were as good as anything I've experienced during my time as a professional footballer.

"No one has been affected by the 15-day break. We've been working hard in our training sessions this week and the lads are now raring to go."

Cardiff City v QPR
Ninian Park, 3:00pm.