Aron Gunnarsson, Cardiff City’s Icelandic Warrior, has been packed off to Dubai by manager Neil Warnock.
Midfield battler ‘Gunnar’ flew out last week and Warnock says: “He hasn’t had a break since before Iceland knocked England out of the Euro finals.
“Aron is on a beach in Dubai and he’s sent me a picture.”
Gunnarsson has made 20 appearances for the Bluebirds this season, scoring twice, and is a crucial part of Warnock’s plans for the rest of this season.
He played the full 90 minutes of City’s 1-0 home win against Aston Villa and then flew out for a break which Warnock believes will result in him returning refreshed and ready to go again.
Iceland’s captain, a relentless, tough tackling defensive midfield player, is a certain starter for Cardiff in their Championship match against Bristol City at Ashton Gate this Saturday (Noon kick-off).
Gunnarsson, the man who scored Cardiff’s first ever Premier goal more than three years ago in the 3-2 win against Manchester City, loves playing under Warnock.
“The gaffer is playing me in a defensive midfield role, which is where I play for my national team,” says Gunnarsson. “I’ve been playing a bit further up the field with the last couple of Cardiff managers.
“Defensive midfield is where I feel most comfortable. My job is to help the team out and give the ball to more skilful players to push forward.
“Keeping a solid back line is my aim and my job for the national team – now it is for Cardiff City too.”
Both Cardiff and Bristol City are just outside the relegation zone, level on 27 points each, although the Bluebirds have a game in hand.
Manager Lee Johnson’s Robins have lost their last six League fixtures and have only managed one victory, against Ipswich Town, in their last 10 Championship games.
They have scored 10 goals and conceded 18 in that run.
Bluebirds boss Warnock is hopeful Kenneth Zohore, who suffered a minor injury in training, and Peter Whittingham, who has had a calf strain, will both be fit to play at Bristol City.
**Lex Immers, the Dutch player released by Cardiff City, is now with Belgian club FC Brugges and scored on his debut during a 1-1 draw in a friendly against Germany club.
That was his first goal in eight months, since he scored for Cardiff in a 2-1 win against Fulham last April.
Wales under-21 international Tommy O’Sullivan, who has also been released by the Bluebirds, is on trial at Colchester United and scored for their under-23 team during a 3-2 win against Ipswich Town.
Iain Moody, who was formerly with Cardiff City, is head of player resources for League Two Colchester.
O’Sullivan, 21, impressed on his debut with first team manager John McGreal looking on, scored from a free-kick.
While Warnock is looking to trim his squad during January, he is also intent on adding a new goalkeeper, winger and striker.
Cardiff are in talks with Aberdeen about signing of Republic of Ireland international Jonny Hayes.
The 29-year-old winger is in his fifth season at Pittodrie, but may be tempted by Cardiff’s approach.
Dublin-born Hayes began his career with Reading before joining Leicester City, but them moved North to Scotland when he signed for Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Leeds United, Barnsley, Wigan, Rotherham and Burton have all watched Hayes, but Cardiff are frontrunners and may sign him in time to face Bristol City.