Kenneth Zohore: Cardiff boss Warnock keeps faith with striker

Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock says he will keep faith with Kenneth Zohore, even though the striker has not scored since the opening day of the 2017-18 season.

He has not scored since Cardiff won 1-0 at Burton on 5 August.

"I think he's one of the best strikers in the division... he's the first name down on my teamsheet," Warnock said.

Zohore was Cardiff's top scorer last season with 12 league goals, and has earned regular praise from Warnock for the improvements he has made since the 68-year-old became manager.

The Bluebirds rejected a bid from Everton for the Dane in August, and there was also interest from Hull and Brighton.

Warnock had planned to rest Zohore for Saturday's 2-1 win at Sunderland, but had to play him when Danny Ward came down with an illness.

"I was going to rest him because he was full of cold, but then Ward picked up a virus so poor old Ken had to turn out," said Warnock.

"I thought he did very well in the circumstances. He was always a threat, holding up the ball to give the midfielders and wide players opportunities.

"All strikers thrive on goals, but as a manager I look at Ken's all-round contribution.

"The first goal was down to him. We wouldn't have scored it without him on the pitch.

"He's always a nuisance around the box. He's always got an extra man marking him."

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Rising expectations

A win over Leeds could take the Bluebirds back to the top of the table, and a crowd of about 25,000 is expected at Cardiff City Stadium.

But Warnock insists he will not start thinking of Cardiff as automatic promotion contenders until much later in the season.

"I don't mind the fans thinking that. They can think we might be in Europe in two years if they like," he said.

"But I know and the lads know how difficult it's going to be. There'll be injuries and suspensions and other things to deal with.

"Whilst we've got a decent squad, we haven't got a massive squad.

"I think that if we can be in or around the top six by the end of October, we've got as good a chance as anybody of staying there.

"You've only got to get into those play-offs and then anyone's got a chance of going up."