Russell Slade defends Cardiff City form ahead of Reading showdown

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has hit back at those who have criticised the club's recent form by suggesting that there is "no need to panic".

The Bluebirds have scored just twice in their last six games, picking up seven points from a possible 18 during that barren run.

However, Slade believes that a quick look at the Championship table, which shows Cardiff are still just three points off their target of a playoff place, is enough to justify the supposed bland style of play adopted.

"I don't see it as a catastrophe," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "The facts are we are three points off the playoffs.

"Come Saturday at five we could be touching the playoffs. I don't think that is a bad scenario to be in. There's no need to panic at this moment in time."

Slade also confirmed that Kenwyne Jones is in contention to start against Reading at the weekend, as Cardiff look to end a run of eight hours and 55 minutes since one of their own players scored a goal.