Peter Whittingham showed on Tuesday night that he is still one of the best finshers in the Championship. Minutes after Ipswich scored with a cracker of their own Whittingham made it two games in two games with a belter of his own (see vieo below).
“The gaffer is encouraging me to get forward, create and go for goal,” said Whittingham, who previously frustrated by Bluebirds supporters by playing too deep and being ineffective.
“I like to be further forward, shooting and taking things on. Maybe I wasn’t doing that before because my role was to sit back a little more. It’s good to have that freedom.
“The manager has been really good and he is telling me to look for openings, trying to create and score myself.
“It’s great having Gunnarsson next to me. He is playing really well and breaks up so many opposition moves.
“Having him there gives me the confidence to look forward myself. I still have defensive responsibilities, of course, but Aron is such a help in there.
“We’ve played together for a fair time and we know each other’s game really well.
“Craig Noone and Anthony Pilkington are also doing great jobs in the wide areas. They have been quite tucked in to help Gunnars and I out, which really helps the team.”
Whittingham was speaking as he joined Bluebirds captain David Marshall at the launch of Cardiff City Community Foundation’s football performance centres. The two stars joined in the coaching as pupils from Cowbridge Comprehensive School were put through their paces.
“Cardiff City have a good record in these areas and it’s brilliant to see this scheme helping youngsters progress,” said Whittingham, before turning his attention to Saturday’s away clash with Millwall.
The Bluebirds are going for a third successive victory under Slade and that would send them into the home match against Leeds the following weekend full of confidence.
“We produced good team performances to beat Forest and Ipswich, but we can’t rest on those wins,” said Whittingham.
“Two victories on the bounce are great and if we can earn three points against Millwall we would be right back up there, but we know how tough it will be at the Den.
“Millwall have great fans and they make that stadium pretty hostile. But we are in good form, hard to beat and confident. We’ll take the game to Millwall.
“Every player knows they have to play consistently well to keep their place in the team. The amount of quality in our squad is frightening.
“I’ve scored in the last two matches, but it’s no good being satisfied with that, I have to go out there at Millwall and play at the same levels again if I am going to keep the shirt.
“We are really enjoying the gaffer’s approach to training and matches. It’s about pushing on, continuing to do what we did against Forest and Ipswich.
“We didn’t make a great start to the season and we are still working to catch the leading group.
“That means picking up points on a regular basis and our match at Millwall is the next chance.”