Plymouth defeat will 'fuel the fire' for Bluebirds

Brian Barry-Murphy says Cardiff City will use their defeat by Plymouth Argyle to "fuel the fire" as they travel north to face Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, 28 February (15:00 GMT).

Cardiff sit top of League One and were on a 12-match unbeaten run before suffering a disappointing 5-2 defeat away at Plymouth last time out.

Barry-Murphy insists that disappointment is only pushing his players to work harder.

"Naturally, if you have a result that's as disappointing as it was on Saturday, you have to feel it, and acknowledge it," Barry-Murphy said.

"A result like that either makes you feel disheartened or it fuels the fires to push on and do even more.

"I'm really grateful to have a group of players who bounce back every single time and give me energy as much as I hope I give them energy, like a two-way relationship."

Doncaster, currently 18th, go into Saturday's fixture in good form, winning three of their past four League One games as they fight to avoid relegation.

The reverse fixture at Cardiff City Stadium proved to be an enthralling contest as Joel Bagan scored the winner in the 99th minute to secure a 4-3 victory for the Bluebirds.

Barry-Murphy says he is looking forward to the challenge, despite the threat Doncaster could pose to his side.

"Everywhere we look, we see teams who have have really high potential and Doncaster have an exceptional team. They have exceptional individual players, dangerous players, especially in attacking areas who can cause us problems," Barry-Murphy said.

"They also have a manager who's had real success recently with them, so it will be a brilliant game for us and one that we're really excited for."

Barry-Murphy has also been impressed with the progress of Rubin Colwill, one of Cardiff's standout players before his lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.

Colwill was introduced at half time during the loss to Plymouth, gaining more valuable minutes as he continues to return to full match fitness.

He will be hoping the Wales international can help City in their promotion push over the coming months.

"He (Colwill) came on at a really good time for us and initially in the second half, I felt as if we were very confident and we would score and get back in the game," Barry-Murphy added.

"To get Rubin back in action for a longer period than previously, it was really important for him and he's making great progress."