Blackpool 1-1 Cardiff

Dave Jones says the players in front of Cardiff's defence must work harder following the 1-1 draw at Blackpool.

"The back five did really really well and kept us in the game," the Bluebirds manager told BBC Sport Wales.

"The front line didn't work hard enough - they were ok in possession, sometimes you have to work harder to earn that.

"[The defence were] hard worked because people in front were not doing what they should be doing, we can't keep doing that all of the time."

Jones' options up front are limited ahead of Tuesday's trip to Plymouth, though.

Ross McCormack - who has won praise for his attitude despite persistent rumours of a transfer away from Cardiff - was stretchered off with a hamstring injury at Bloomfield Road.

That leaves Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd as the only fit, senior strikers at the Welsh club.

Jones will also assess the extent of midfielder Stephen McPhail and defender Paul Quinn's injuries from the Blackpool game, along with the knee problem that saw centre-back Gabor Gyepes miss the trip north.

After seeing his side take an early lead before fading on Saturday, Bluebirds manager Jones bemoaned the physical state of his squad following a tough opening week of the season.

606: DEBATE What do you make of Jones' criticisms?

"We're putting kids on and players who have been ill all week, it's hard," Jones told BBC Sport Wales.

"Joe [Ledley] looks absolutely drained, he played 45 minutes for us [at Blackpool], 90 for the Wales team [in Montenegro] and he's been ill all week.

"[Chris Burke] did really well considering I've not seen him for a week.

"He trained a bit [Friday] and I had to throw him on [against Blackpool on Saturday]."

Despite the problems, Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall says he is pleased with the way that the season has started.

"We've had a good first week," Marshall told BBC Sport Wales.

"We didn't play as well as we hoped to [at Blackpool], but we have a game straight away on Tuesday to put it right."

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