Russell Slade was appointed as Cardiff City’s manager back in October 2014, following a mediocre return in the hands of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
There is no doubt that Slade inherited a top class Championship squad, however Slade's first task was to de-clutter the ranks and cut costs from the club’s hefty wage bill.
Now that the dust has settled and Russell Slade’s Cardiff are firing on all cylinders, there is a real cutting edge starting to form allowing the clear stand-out performers to stand up and be counted as the Bluebirds fight for the remaining play-off position.
So far this season fans have failed to fill the 33,000 capacity Cardiff City Stadium, mainly caused by the dire style of play which has drastically improved in recent weeks.
As the season enters its final few months, Cardiff’s top players are likely to be targeted by teams in the Premier League to help improve their squad’s.
With the South Wales club bursting with talent FLW takes a look at the FIVE Cardiff City players that will be in the Premier League before you know it.........
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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David Marshall
Undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the second tier, who should have got his big move back in 2013 when the likes of arsenal and Liverpool came calling.
The 31-year-old Scottish International has been central to the club’s astounding home form with only one defeat at the Cardiff City Stadium all season.
During the January transfer window Marshall emerged as a January target for Everton who are keen to replace Tim Howard who looks set to join an MLS side this summer.
Marshall has been given a £10million price tag by the club which could put off some Premier League sides, however a goalkeeper of his calibre shouldn’t be playing second division football.
Bruno Manga
The Gabon international has struggled with injuries this term but has insisted that he can lead Cardiff City’s promotion charge as we enter the final months.
Manga was signed for a reported five million Euros from FC Lorient back in September 2014, as a long term replacement for the departing Mark Hudson.
The 27-year-old is regarded as one of the best defensive players in the second tier of English football, and has already admitted that he may well have to look elsewhere at the end of the campaign, to achieve his dream of playing in the Premier League
As Manga’s stock rises Cardiff will only be able to hold onto the defender if they achieve promotion which isn’t written in stone at this particular moment in time and would be a strong addition to any top flight side.
Matthew Connolly
Earlier in the campaign, Matt Connolly wanted his chance to prove that he can be a top Championship centre back after being left frustrated at being pushed out to right-back on several occasions under both Malky Mackay and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, Russell Slade answered the 28-year-old’s prayers and Connolly is playing at his very best alongside defensive partner Bruno Manga.
Originally signed in 2012 by Malky Mackay, Connolly was central to the Bluebirds promotion campaign and has now secured promotion with Cardiff, Watford, QPR and Reading.
Connolly signed an extension to his existing Cardiff City deal back in January, which keeps the defender with the Bluebirds until the summer of 2019, which could raise his price tag.
Anthony Pilkington
Anthony Pilkington has been taking the Championship by storm since transferring to a striker’s role this season.
A move away from his preferred wide role, however he is now helping to push Cardiff City into play-off contention.
Since converting to a striker’s role Pilkington has scored five goals, taking his tally to an impressive 8 for the campaign so far.
It took the 27-year-old winger just five years to rise from Pub league football to the Premier League an astonishing climb in such little time and is now central to the club’s promotion push.
Pilkington was signed by Cardiff City for under a million pounds back in 2014 and could well be one of the club’s best acquisitions.
Craig Noone
The 28-year-old wide man has lit up the Cardiff City stadium on several occasions since joining the club, including a number of late goals to rescue vital points for the Bluebirds.
Prior to joining the Welsh club, Noone was more well known for being the roofer on Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool home.
The winger has previously featured for Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Brighton & Hove Albion before joining Cardiff in a £900-thousand-pound transfer back in 2012.
Noone was understood to be the subject of a bid from Premier League Norwich City earlier in the season, however Cardiff sources insisted it would take a substantial fee for Noone to leave the club.
Cardiff fans. Do you agree with the choices? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!