Inamoto - Full-Time Bluebird?

Bluebird?
By Chris O'Brien
January 15 2005

Japanese international Junichi Inamoto has hinted that he would be interested in a permanent move to Cardiff City. The Bluebirds have not lost a Football League or cup game since the Baggies midfielder arrived at Ninian Park on loan.

Cardiff City's loan midfielder Junichi Inamoto has hinted that he would be interested in a permanent move to South Wales. Bluebirds boss Lennie Lawrence has hailed the instant impact the Japanese international has had at Ninian Park, and with things not going to plan at West Bromwich Albion, Inamoto would consider a full-time switch to the Football League Championship.

"If the manager decides the move could be a permanent one, then I would have to think about the whole thing," said the 25-year-old.

"Obviously I would like to play for the top teams in the country, but I must say I'm happy here at Cardiff. "It's a good city and the people here are very friendly - I am enjoying my time here very much indeed."

City are unbeaten since Inamoto's move from the struggling Baggies. The former Arsenal and Fulham star is struggling with a string of injuries and is yet to play for the Midlands club, who may offload the player should City show interest. They are due to pay a £200,000 fee to Japanese outfit Osaka when Inamoto makes his first Baggies appearance, but he is still yet to make an appearance for Bryan Robson's side.

Should Inamoto make the full-time move to Cardiff City, he will have to learn the ayatollah properly! Watching the entire bench train him in slapping his head with his two hands caused great mirth on the Ninian Park terraces!