'I am in every day and I see the quality we have'

Jesper Daland reckons consistency is key for Cardiff City as Omer Riza's side look to pull clear of the Championship relegation zone.

The Bluebirds host leaders Sheffield United on Saturday (15:00 GMT) after a run of seven games without a league win.

But Daland insists Cardiff, who are just a point above the bottom three heading into the weekend, are capable of avoiding a third relegation scrap in the last four seasons.

"We have a lot of new faces in the squad, including me, and sometimes it takes time," the former Norway Under-21 international said.

"I know it can be difficult for people around the club, the supporters, but I am in every day and I see the quality we have, I really do.

"I [also] know the ambitions of the club, so I am pretty calm about everything.

"When we are at the level, we know we can be really good. It's about showing consistency. I think in the end hopefully we can look back on a good season."

Thanks in part to injury, Daland has made only seven appearances since joining Cardiff from Belgian side Cercle Brugge in August.

But having played 90 minutes in last weekend's draw at Stoke City, the 24-year-old will hope to keep his place as Cardiff tackle the Blades.

"Those are the games you want to play, against the toughest opponents," Daland added.

"It's a good chance for us to show what we can do. I think everyone in the locker room will be looking forward to it.

"If we take things from last weekend, I think we can make problems for them."

Riza made a spectacular impact after taking the reins from Erol Bulut in September, taking 14 points from his first seven games in charge.

But a 1-0 loss at Luton in early November marked the start of a dispiriting run that has seen Cardiff bank only three points from the last 21 on offer.

Daland has backed Riza, who signed a deal running until the end of the season earlier this month, saying: "He is very passionate, very hard-working. The way he sees football is very positive.

"I think we all enjoy [playing under] him. He does a good job and I think he is the right man in charge now."