Alex Robertson: Midfielder ‘could play a big role’ for Cardiff – Brian Barry Murphy

Robertson’s absence was a big talking point for Cardiff fans, who were puzzled as to why a player who cost the club a seven-figure fee when he joined from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 was not being used.

He was in Australia’s squad for their friendlies in the United States and Canada earlier this month, but did not participate in either match.

“I think it’s good for the fans to talk about him any way they want,” Barry Murphy said.

“Alex is someone I know well from long before he was at this club [when Barry-Murphy coached Manchester City Under-21s]So all I want from all the players is to be at their best.

“My duty then is to get them to that state where they can compete against each other. But I have to be very fair and consistent in the way I judge the whole team once they get to that level.

“It’s the same for Alex as it is for anyone else. If he were in the other players’ shoes, he would want exactly the same thing.”

Meanwhile, centre-back Dylan Lawlor could return for Saturday’s League One trip to Bolton Wanderers after missing the 2-1 win over Reading last Saturday with a thigh injury.

Fellow centre-back Will Fish is also suffering from a knee problem, which limited him to 45 minutes against the Royals last weekend.

Barry Murphy said: “Will Fish has an ongoing knee problem and it is improving, especially when he makes longer passes.”

He’s been experiencing some discomfort in his knee. But the amount of discomfort is decreasing, so he’s making good progress.

“Dylan has had a good week of training so far. I think it’s important that he can do certain things we want him to do later this afternoon. [Thursday] “When we train, and then hopefully he will be available for Saturday.”