Atmosphere Won't Affect Us, Insists Jones

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones believes his side will handle the derby day atmosphere after getting their first taste of it in the Carling Cup Third Round.

Jones was disappointed with his teams display, in particular the way they allowed the vociferous Swansea crowd get to them.

But Jones is certain that his squad has enough experience to handle it this time round. He told the Evening Post:

'Less than six months ago, we played in front of 100,000 people (in the FA Cup final). I don't think the atmosphere will intimidate the players.'

'We've played in front of many big crowds — 100,000 people, 20,000, 40,000, 50,000.'

'I think the atmosphere will enhance the players because you want to play in full houses with lots of noise.'

'I've played in a Liverpool-Everton derby when there was 50,000 people there. And I was at the Swansea one where there was 16,000 or 17,000.'

'Atmosphere-wise there was a lot more noise in the Liverpool, Everton derby because there were a lot more people there.'

'Discipline in these kind of games is important.'

'Players were flying in and making silly decisions last time because they got carried away. You still have to be controlled, no matter what the game.'

'It's a local game with a lot of passion and everything else. We've just got to make sure we play the game and not the occasion.'

'We know we didn't play well last time, so we want to make that right.'

'All derby games are about bragging rights and the players know what it means to the fans.'

Meanwhile, Joe Ledley looks set to play with a protective cast on his finger. Bless...

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