Cardiff City boss refuses to defend his strikers ahead of Preston North End clash

The Bluebirds have made 15 signings this summer but are still on the lookout for more.

They are currently the definition of mid table, sitting in 12th in the league having won two, drawn one and lost two of their games so far.

An issue that North End can relate to at the moment is a lack of goals, with former striker Steve Morison in charge, like with Ryan Lowe, you would expect the goals to be flowing.

But City suffered a heavy defeat last time out in the Severnside Derby against Bristol City, and again failed to score, they have three in their five games so far and only North End have less in the Championship.

Finding the target will certainly be the aim for the home side this weekend and with goals not forthcoming, Morison is struggling to find the right men for the job.

He said: "I told them today, 'I'm fed up with defending you, you've got to put the ball in the back of the net - that's your job'.

"'You get your moments, you have to put the ball in the back of the net'.

"That's exactly what I told them. But the plus point is we are getting them the chances, they just need to put the ball in the back of the net."

"We keep working and we will keep creating chances for them and hopefully they will start taking them."

"There's no-one else there at the minute. There's no-one else available that can come and do it either.

"Like I've said to everyone who has asked me so far, I can't magic someone out of thin air.

"What won't be happening is I won't be getting in a 32, 33, 34-year-old centre-forward just because it appeases everyone. It has to be the right player, someone who will take us forward and help us progress.

"If that person doesn't arrive then people better back the people who are here, because that's all we can do."

Amongst the 15 new faces that have made their way to the Welsh capital this summer are some experienced Championshhip players.

Romaine Sawyers bolstered their midfield options, as did Callum O’Dowda who made the short trip from rivals Bristol City.

In defence they signed Cedric Kipre on loan from West Bromwich Albion, Mahlon Romeo from Millwall and highly rated full back Ebou Adams from League Two champions Forest Green Rovers.

Another bottom half finish will be what Cardiff are looking to avoid this season, but to do that they must find a way to score goals.

They have also been linked with a return for former PNE striker Jordan Hugill, who has spent a bit of time at the Cardiff City Stadium on loan, with the striker out of favour at Norwich City.

A reaction is the least that North End are to expect from Cardiff this weekend, especially coming back to home turf.