Mick McCarthy "proud" despite another Cardiff City loss

Cardiff City manager Mick McCarthy has insisted that he is proud of his side despite suffering their fifth straight loss against Reading at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.

The Bluebirds have slipped to 20th in the Championship table as a result of the losing streak, after initially beginning the new campaign with a four-match unbeaten run.

Former Cardiff player Junior Hoilett piled the misery on McCarthy with the only goal of the game, in which the hosts attempted 25 shots on goal, compared to just two from their visitors.

"I can only control what I do on the football pitch and what the team does. I thought it was good today and I was really proud of it. I'm just disappointed with the result," McCarthy told reporters following the game.

After two significant defeats at the hands of Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion across the previous week, the boss was already facing mounting pressure and questions over the backing of the players from the dressing room.

However, the 62-year-old believes Saturday's performance is proof that his players are still playing for him and his backroom staff.

"On Tuesday night everyone starts asking, 'Have you lost the dressing room? Well I think that shows from that performance, no, I certainly haven't," he added.

Cardiff now face a two-week break from league action due to the international break, with the South Wales derby against Swansea City awaiting them when they return.