Cardiff boss Malky Mackay was pleased his side regained their place in the top six with a 2-1 win over leaders Southampton. Kenny Miller struck twice in seven second-half minutes to provide the perfect tonic for the injury-hit Bluebirds who are now unbeaten in eight matches.
Mackay said: "We were looking to try and make sure we even had a bench tonight. The options were probably not what we'd have hoped for, but, in terms of positions, it was what we had left fit in the building.
"It was a test for us but we had to be brave and believe in the players and tactics we had to beat Southampton.
"There is a togetherness in the squad and that has grown as the weeks have gone along, and everyone wants to do well for each other. There are no fractures in our team and that is paying off."
Mackay added: "I'm delighted for Kenny. He has been a proven goalscorer throughout his career and his hard work has finally paid off with goals.
"The first goal was a really good counter-attack as David (Marshall) kicks it early to Kenny and he's been ever so brave because the goalkeeper can easily smash him in that situation.
"Then he took his second goal incredibly well. It was a lovely finish. But he also put in a lot of work off the ball and channel runs that he deserved those two goals."
Southampton counterpart Nigel Adkins saw his men create and waste numerous chances in the second period.
Adkins said: "I counted that we had six real good chances in the latter part of the game. Rickie Lambert had two headers which you would put your mortgage on him to score.
"Richard Chaplow has shaved the post and de Ridder also missed before he scored. But we're still top and that is a positive for us."
