Tonight's Cardiff City news as ex-Man Utd star tips 'top-class' Bluebird to shine and players show Bulut support

Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Wednesday, June 5.

Ex-Man Utd star praises O'Dowda

Former Manchester United utility player and interim Republic of Ireland boss John O'Shea has backed Callum O'Dowda to "excel" after overcoming a year of injury hell.

The Bluebirds winger was immense during his first season with the club but last season his campaign was curtailed due to a groin injury.

However, the 29-year-old recovered to be fit enough for this international camp with Ireland and he impressed off the bench in their 2-1 win over Hungary last night.

Asked about O'Dowda's inclusion after the match, O'Shea said: "In terms of Callum O'Dowda, the personality, the player, he is really impressive. His ability, floating into different positions and the athleticism he's got.

"If Callum can get a run of fitness into him he will really excel because he is a really talented player and I think he will be important for us going forward.

"But for his own career and development, he just needs to keep that belief in himself, because he has got a lot of quality and in terms of the lad around the place, you couldn't ask for a better fella, he is top class."

READ MORE: Bournemouth boss gives Kieffer Moore a choice after failed Cardiff City transfer bids

READ MORE: Ex-Cardiff City coach in frame to join Erol Bulut's staff as next phase begins

Players show support for Bulut announcement

Cardiff's players have shown their support for the new manager's deal on social media.

Bulut was handed a two-year contract extension and the club officially announced the news yesterday after months of protracted negotiations. Sign up to our Cardiff City newsletter here.

But finally, the news was posted on the club's website and social media channels and some have shown their love for the manager by liking the Instagram post.

Manolis Siopis, Ollie Tanner, Jak Alnwick, Callum O'Dowda, Jamilu Collins, Dimitrios Goutas and Kieron Evans all liked the club's official post, while former loanees Karlan Grant and even Cedric Kipre, who never worked under Bulut, showed their appreciation.

Portsmouth and Sunderland in for Josh Murphy

Championship duo Portsmouth and Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing Josh Murphy after the winger's stellar campaign last year.

Murphy, who signed for Cardiff for £11m from Norwich City back in 2018, never really scaled the heights expected of him during his time in south Wales and he left on a free transfer back in 2022.

But he has been fantastic for Oxford United in the last year and scored twice at Wembley in the play-off final against Bolton to get the U's into the Championship. And his form has attracted interest.

The Portsmouth News now claim Pompey, as well as Sunderland, West Brom, Derby County, Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and QPR are all interested in signing the 29-year-old this summer.

WHATSAPP: Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community

City linked with striker

Cardiff City are reportedly interested in signing Canada international Theo Bair.

The Bluebirds tied down their manager, Erol Bulut, to a new deal on Tuesday and it is understood they are now pressing ahead with transfer plans, with the window set to open in nine days' time.

Chief among City's priorities is to sign at least one striker, having struggled to find the back of the net regularly enough, particularly from open play, last season.

And Motherwell striker Bair, who netted 15 goals for the Scottish Premiership club last season, is attracting the Bluebirds' interest, according to HITC.

Championship sides Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers are also linked, while Severnside rivals Bristol City have previously been credited with having an interest in the forward. The 24-year-old, who has two caps for Canada, has also been mentioned as a target for Charlton Athletic in recent weeks.

However, the report adds that German outfit St Pauli, who have been promoted back to the Bundesliga, are leading the race for his signature. Read the full story here.