Blue Jays ravaged by a disease virus hours before Fulham game
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Steve Morrison is proud of Cardiff City’s brave performance against Fulham as the manager endured his “toughest 24 hours” at work.
The Bluebirds fell ill hours before their clash with leaders Fulham, shattering Morrison’s squad and forcing him to change the starting line-up 90 minutes before kick-off.
That made Cardiff’s performance against Marco Silva’s side all the more impressive as they could have easily drawn or even won on another day.
But after Aleksandar Mitrovic’s first-half goal proved it, Morrison praised his side for the task.
“I’m so proud of these boys. They’re amazing,” Morrison began.
“We went head-to-head with them in our own way and limited them to the third-fewest shooting range of the season. We had more shots than them, better chances than them.
“But they scored and we didn’t. If we keep going like this, we can have a really good end to the season.
“I’m very pleased with my performance considering it was the toughest 24 hours I’ve ever experienced as a manager.”
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Ryan Wintle, Jordan Hugill, Uche Ikpeazu, Alfie Doughty, Mark Harris and Rubin Colwill all fell ill within 24 hours of the game, some even hours before kickoff.
It forced Morrison to change direction a maximum of four times, not ideal preparation for a confrontation with the leaders.
“It was an absolute nightmare,” he added. “Starting after training yesterday, a couple of people fell.
“I named the team. Then I woke up this morning, went to the gym at 8am and ruled out two players, Mark Harris and Uche (Iqpezu).
“I called James Collins to go to the bank. Then I got up around 11.45 and went to Rubin’s (Colwill’s) place and called to say he wasn’t feeling well but he wanted to try.
“Ryan Winter and Jordan Hugill were both sick when we started. Hugill warmed up, walked in and said, ‘I can’t give you anything’.
“I’ve decided Kolo to play, so we’re at a disadvantage. The team has changed about three or four times.
“Everything that keeps them going and performing like this shows how good we are as a team and how united we are.”
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