The Bluebirds boss spoke after a convincing 4-0 win over Barnsley

22:38, 27 Jan 2026Updated 22:44, 27 Jan 2026

Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Brian Barry-Murphy hailed a “very pleasing” night’s work after Cardiff City dismantled Barnsley 4-0, while providing a reassuring update on top scorer Yousef Salech.

The Bluebirds produced one of their most complete performances of the season on Tuesday night, with goals from Perry Ng, Omari Kellyman and a Chris Willock brace capping a dominant display.

And Barry-Murphy admitted he was delighted with both the outcome and the manner of the victory.

“Over the moon with the result and the performance, because we did a lot of work on Barnsley and prepared in a very detailed manner,” he said. “The players understood how big the challenge was and we’re very pleased to score the victory.”

Barry-Murphy’s decision to deploy Omari Kellyman through the middle in the absence of Salech, who was forced off in Saturday’s draw with Stockport County after Brad Hills landed awkwardly on him during an aerial duel, paid dividends, with the Chelsea loanee really impressing in a different role.

The Salech incident sparked real concern on Saturday, with the striker sent to hospital for precautionary scans at the weekend, given his importance as Cardiff’s leading scorer. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.

Kellyman, however, seized his opportunity, scoring once and providing an assist in a tireless display that underlined the depth of attacking options at Barry-Murphy’s disposal.

“Well, I just see him very much as a centre-forward,” the Cardiff boss explained. “I’ve seen him play as a centre-forward many times before when he was younger, so I was very confident he could do the job. I felt it was the right solution for this game.

“I’m very pleased with his performance and also very pleased with Callum (Robinson) and Isaak’s (Davies) performances when they came on. All those players are hungry to play and are giving me a lot of food for thought in the absence of Yousef.”

There was welcome news, too, on Salech’s condition, with Barry-Murphy confirming initial scans had eased fears of a serious injury, even if a clear return date remains unknown.

“He’s had very positive news on the initial scan,” he said. “He’s having some further tests just to determine things, but there are no fractures and no breaks, which is a big relief.

“I don’t have a timescale because he’s still in some discomfort. We’ll just have to determine the extent of what’s happened and assess it on a day-by-day basis.”

Barry-Murphy added that, while the priority is to get Salech back as soon as possible, the situation has highlighted the flexibility within his squad.

“Obviously our first priority is to get Yousef back as soon as possible, but there’s opportunity in everything,” he said.

“The major positive for us is that it’s not going to be a long-term issue for Yousef. Other players will step up and be ready.”

There was less positive news regarding Dylan Lawlor, who missed the match and is now facing a spell on the sidelines.

“Dylan’s damaged his medial ligament,” Barry-Murphy confirmed. “The scan suggests it’ll be between two and three weeks before he plays again.”

With less than a week to go until the transfer window closes, Cardiff don’t have much work to do in terms of incomings. Barry-Murphy reiterated that Cardiff’s recruitment focus remains unchanged as the deadline approaches. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

“That’s the position of high priority that we identified as needing help,” he said of the club’s search for a left-back, “and nothing’s changed elsewhere.”

The Bluebirds boss was also asked about reports claiming Ethan Horvath has agreed a deal with MLS side New York Red Bulls and the Irishman confirmed that the goalkeeper has travelled to the United States.

“I don’t know if it’s completed,” he said, before adding: “He’s in America.”

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