By Gareth James
Steve Morison is eyeing up a double hat-trick for his Cardiff City side when they host Preston today.
The Bluebirds have already beaten the Lilywhites twice this season and a third win could lift them above arch-rivals Swansea ahead of their derby clash in the Welsh capital next month.
Morison also wants to continue his side’s run of good form by making it three wins on the bounce after their 1-0 home win over Derby County and a 2-1 away triumph at QPR last weekend.
It was a stunning 74th-minute winner from teenage striker Rubin Colwill that won the game at Loftus Road last weekend and the Bluebirds boss wants more of the same from him and his fellow front runner, Isaak Davies, as they bid for places in the upcoming Wales World Cup qualifying squad.
Colwill already has three senior caps to his name at the age of 19, while Davies gave Wales boss Rob Page at first-hand taste of his talent when he watched the Bluebirds beat Derby County recently.
🗣️ “This will be the third time we’ve played Preston this season, and we want to try and make it a hat-trick of wins.”
Watch more from Morro’s pre-match press conference now on @CardiffCityTV 👇#CityAsOne
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) March 11, 2022
The 20-year-old Davies notched his first senior goal in the 3-1 FA Cup win over Preston earlier in the year and would love to add to his tally against the same opposition. His reward from the club for his performances this season came in the shape of a new four-year contract this month.
“The experience of going away with Wales is excellent and if I had a choice I’d love them both to go,” said Morison, a former Wales striker
“It would be great for them to be a part of that, and it’s a great reward for how well they’ve done, although I’d rather them go away on international duty and play.
“I haven’t spoken to the Wales manager so I don’t know what his thoughts are on either of them. There have been many players who just join up with the squad and never do anything.
“You want them to go and be a part of the Wales squad because they are going to play, and impact the team. Managed in the right way they could be a part of the Wales set-up for a very long time and become key members of the team.
“If Rob Page wants to give me a call to discuss it then I’m here. If not then I’ll just have to watch from afar and hope they are managed in the best possible way.”
⚡ Great strike, Collo! 💙
More training footage coming 🔜 from @CardiffCityTV! 📺#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/Hjzubf2F9W
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) March 11, 2022
With Kiefer Moore recovering from fit surgery and Tyler Roberts out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, Page will be scouring the country for front line replacements ahead of the World Cup qualifying semi-final against Austria in the Welsh capital on 24 March.
Colwill scored the winner in the 2-1 victory at QPR last weekend and Morison will be hoping for more of the same as his side continues to march away from the relegation zone. Now in 17th with 10 games to go, they are now 18 points clear of the drop zone and will be seeking a third win on the bounce for the first time this season against Preston.
“Over the past 10 games we’ve had more positive results than negative and our performance levels have been quite consistent,” said Morison.
“With 10 games left, if we can match the form of our last 10 I’d be happy. That would leave us in a really nice position come the end of the season. ”