Lennie aiming for Premiership in two seasons

LENNIE Lawrence admits he must take Cardiff City into the Premiership within two seasons.

The Bluebirds team boss steered City to a creditable 13th place in Division One, their first season at that level for nearly 20 years, and knows he must improve on that next time.

He admits today: "We are expected to reach the Premiership within two seasons. I know that.

"Nobody, not even Sam, has said that to me and I suppose if we lose a play-off final on a penalty shoot-out in 2006 that would be seen as progress.
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RICHARD Langley and Alan Lee may be close team-mates at Ninian Park, but come next month the pair will be in direct opposition to each other.

Signed on the same day last August, the duo struck up an immediate friendship on and off the pitch.

But the two club colleagues will put their friendship aside as they go head to head, with Langley's Jamaica clashing with Lee's Republic of Ireland in a three-team friendly tournament at Charlton on June 2.

"I hope we both play because it will be interesting to face him," said Langley, who should also figure against Nigeria in the triangular competition.

"Alan did well last match for Ireland (against Poland) and deserves another go in the team

"It's a shame Graham Kavanagh isn't there as well because we would really be scrapping for the ball in the midfield.

"Of course it would be a little strange playing against Alan, but we won't be in direct competition on many occasions anyway as we both play in different positions.
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TONY Vidmar and his Socceroos face a gruelling spell of seven full internationals in 17 days - and five of those are World Cup qualifiers!

Vidmar is back home preparing for the first of Australia's crucial run of matches, against Turkey on Friday.

These matches are crucial as Vidmar aims to realise a dream and play in the World Cup finals.

Twice Vidmar and Australia have failed at the final hurdle - and the desire to take that extra step is burning fiercely.

"The World Cup is the big thing missing from my career," said Vidmar. "I badly want to experience playing on that stage and I could understand why the Welsh lads were so intent on qualifying for Euro 2004.

"I felt for them when things didn't go their way after they had done so well - and now I must do everything possible to ensure Australia achieve their goal."
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ARRAN Lee-Barrett, Cardiff City's third choice goalkeeper, has earned a new Bluebirds contract. But it looks certain he won't be staying at Ninian Park, writes Terry Phillips.

For Lee-Barrett, who has yet to make a Nationwide League appearance after 14 months with City, is heading out on loan during 2004-2005.

The key for Cardiff team boss Lennie Lawrence is finding the right club for his young keeper.

"There are plenty of clubs who would love to have Arran as their number two, but I want him to go out on loan and play first team football," said Lawrence.
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TEENAGER Byron Anthony, Cardiff City's promising young defender, has landed a year-long professional contract at Ninian Park.

Newport-born Anthony, 18, replaced injured full-back Rhys Weston after 34 minutes of City's 1-0 win against Premiership Birmingham City in Len Ashurst's testimonial this week.
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