This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Cardiff City have had a mixed start to the season and after their third consecutive draw, Neil Warnock's side find themselves in 14th spot in the Championship, seven points adrift of leaders Leeds United.
Ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough this weekend, Warnock has received good news after goalkeeper Neil Etheridge played 90 minutes for the U23's against Sheffield Wednesday, having been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the opening day of the season.
So how big a boost is it for Cardiff that Etheridge is returning to fitness?
We discuss........
Chris Gallagher
"It's a huge boost for Warnock.
"Firstly, it has to be said that Alex Smithies is a good player at this level so it's not a criticism of him.
"However, Etheridge is a better keeper and arguably one of the standout stoppers in the league.
"So, he is going to make a big difference and he has a strong understanding with the back four. After a slow start to the campaign, his reintroduction could help the Bluebirds get back up the table as they haven't kept enough clean sheets this season - which is unlike them.
"It's a big call for the manager but I would bring Etheridge back into the XI this weekend."
Toby Wilding
"I think this is a huge boost for Cardiff.
"You only need to look at Etheridge's performance in the past two seasons at both Championship and Premier League level, to see how important he is to this side.
"As well as his shot-stopping, the presence he holds inside the Cardiff area must surely provide a sense of confidence to the rest of his defence, who know they have him behind them to help get them out of any possible trouble.
"It could be that the only player around the club who isn't entirely pleased by this is Alex Smithies, since it means the goalkeeper looks likely to lose his own place in the Bluebirds' starting XI."
Chris Thorpe
"This will no doubt be a big boost for Warnock and his squad, with Etheridge being one of the more senior members of the squad.
"He was one of their key performers last season, despite the club suffering relegation.
"Had it not been for an injury, I wouldn't have been surprised to see some Premier League clubs sniffing around him this summer.
"Cardiff will be hoping that they will have him back as soon as possible as he commands his area brilliantly, which is something their defenders can take confidence from."