MON On Routledge Loan

Martin O'Neill is hoping Wayne Routledge will receive a confidence boost from his 2 month loan spell at Cardiff City.

O'Neill explained on the official site that he was reluctant to let Routledge go, which seems a bit silly as he never plays, but saw the benefit in him getting some regular football under his belt.

'He wants to play - and he wants to play regularly.

'He feels he could be in the team but at this minute, players are keeping him out.

'I was reluctant to let anyone on the fringes of the first team out on loan because we have a lot of games to play.

'However, this is opportunity for Wayne to go and play - and play for a cause.

'It means now he won't be eligible to play in the European games - and I would have been intending to use him in those.

'But, injury and form-permitting, he should play pretty regularly. I know they have had a couple of injuries to key players and Dave Jones said he will go and play. That should give him a boost of confidence and match fitness.'

Although it's a two month loan, we can recall Routledge if needed after 28 days.

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