Boss Dave Jones watched Cardiff produce a better performance

Cardiff boss Dave Jones says his players showed passion and character in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Birmingham.

Some Bluebirds fans had questioned the players' commitment after Tuesday night's Carling Cup loss at Swansea.

"The reaction from certain quarters after Tuesday night was wrong, I don't think it does any good to character assassinate people," Jones said.

"Some of the players were taken aback by it, but the response they showed tells the fans they do care."

Although Cardiff lost at Ninian Park against Birmingham, one of the Championship pace-setters, they had Alex McLeish's side under pressure all afternoon.

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"We didn't go on Tuesday and try and lose the game, we're not happy we lost the game - the fans weren't happy we lost the game because it's tribal.

"We understand all that, I've played in derby matches myself so I know what it's all about and I know how much it hurts.

"But one or two people reacted in a way that to lose a football match is wrong."

Cardiff have a chance to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night, when they welcome Coventry to Ninian Park in the Championship.