Mackay Has Other Priorities

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay is still interested in signing Portsmouth’s Liam Lawrence but admits there are other priorities for the Welsh club.

The Republic of Ireland international midfielder made 15 appearances for Cardiff while on loan from Pompey towards the end of last season. Lawrence has now returned to the south coast of England as Portsmouth prepare for the new season in League 1.

Debt stricken Portsmouth are looking to offload their top earners in an attempt to cut the wage bill and save the club from going out of business.

While Mackay has admitted he is still keen on having Lawrence at the Cardiff City Stadium next year there are other players on the agenda.

“Liam is a great lad and influenced our team with his experience and quality when he came on loan last season,” Mackay told Wales Online.

“He is a player we may look to bring back but he remains a Portsmouth player and, for the moment, we are working on other priorities.”

Lawrence has expressed a willingness to return to Cardiff after enjoying his temporary spell with The Bluebirds last season.

“Cardiff told me at the end of last season they are interested,” he said.

“I did okay there. I wouldn’t have played every game if I had not been doing well.”

“When I left I spoke to Malky and he said he was looking to take me back this season. Obviously, I would be interested. I’m just waiting to see what develops.”

Sam Jewell

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