Barry-Murphy keen to add full-back options

Cardiff City's "exciting" victory over Bradford on Saturday that helped extend their lead at the top of the League One summit came with one concern, as Perry Ng was withdrawn at half-time with a suspected ankle issue.

Bluebirds boss Brian Barry Murphy said the defender "didn't seem totally comfortable", prompting a reshuffle that saw Joel Colwill step in as a makeshift right-back with Ronan Kpakio sidelined by a knee injury.

"With Ronan missing, we were a little bit stressed," Barry Murphy said.

"But we trained in preparation for this with Joel at right-back. It was a relief to get him on the pitch because he's been doing really well, and his performance was everything you'd expect from a Colwill."

Although Ng's injury is not expected to be serious, the situation has highlighted Cardiff's lack of depth in the full-back positions, something Barry-Murphy openly acknowledged.

"We're keen to address the left-back situation because Joel Bagan has had to carry the burden all season and Luey Giles has gone on loan, so we are light there," he added.

"But Ronan will be back on Monday and he's a brilliant player, and hopefully Perry will be fine."

The full-back discussion comes at a time when Cardiff are able to operate in the transfer market again, following the lifting of their embargo last week.

The club moved quickly to secure the permanent signing of young goalkeeper Harry Tyrer from Everton.

Tyrer impressed Barry-Murphy during his loan spell at Chesterfield, before he spent last season at Blackpool where he kept 12 clean sheets.

"Harry Tyrer is somebody I've known for a long time," Barry-Murphy said.

"He's done a lot of work at a lower level at Chesterfield and is a really impressive performer. We needed another goalkeeper in the window and now he's ready for the next stage of his career. He'll be a great addition for the club."

Barry-Murphy said Tyrer, who did not make a senior appearance for Everton, arrives to "compete with Matt Turner" and ensure Cardiff have "really good options" behind established number one Nathan Trott.

Cardiff return to action with a home game against Stockport County at Cardiff City Stadium next Saturday (12:30 GMT).