Cardiff City have enjoyed a fantastic season with Neil Warnock's side boasting a six point cushion ahead of third place ahead of the weekend's games.

They travel to Reading on Monday night looking for a fifth consecutive win which would see them create a bigger gap on at least one of the sides immediately below them, with Sheffield United taking on Bristol City this Friday night.

Despite their fine form though, many feel the January window could be critical for Cardiff if they are to maintain this magnifecent record.

Warnock isn't blessed with the biggest squad in the league and he has had to work on a very restricted budget since he took over the Welsh club, and big funds won't be available in January either.

Therefore, he will look to give himself more freedom in the market by letting players go, although there aren't many that Cardiff would want to part with.

However, we've identified two players that will be desperate to leave the club on loan, which would take them off the wage bill in the process...

Anthony Pilkington

The former Norwich man just isn't the man for Neil Warnock. The experienced manager praised the attitude and application of the Irishman and insisted his lack of game time is purely just one of those things.

Pilkington is still scoring goals for the development side and at 29-years old, you would think he still has a lot to give.

A loan move might be the most realistic way he departs in the window and plenty of clubs below Cardiff would be interested in the attacking player, who can operate out wide or up top.

Matthew Connolly

Another who has become something of a forgotten man in Cardiff is Matthew Connolly. The versatile defender featured 28 times last season but hasn't tasted a minute of league action in this campaign.

At 30, Connolly is surely desperate to play and it's not going to happen at Cardiff despite Warnock again publicly praising his attitude and qualities.

Given his experience at winning promotion and his ability to fit in various positions across the back four, the former QPR man is a reliable performer who could step in and do a job for many sides further down the table.

Thoughts, Cardiff fans? Let us know in the comments below.