Calum Chambers’ move out of defence into midfield may have come about through necessity but manager Omer Riza says the player has been “excellent”.

Chambers has started 22 of Cardiff City’s 24 Championship matches this season after signing in the summer from Aston Villa on a three-year deal.

His first 20 appearances were in the heart of defence but he’s caught the eye in a holding midfielder role in the recent win at Watford and home draw against Coventry.

“I knew Calum played a whole season at Fulham and when he came through at Southampton he played holding midfield and he’s been there,” said Riza.

“He’s an experienced player, he has got good ability on the ball and understands the game defensively, so for me it was a no brainer.

“It was just about the timing of it and whether we have given him enough time to be able to manage playing in a different position because he has played at centre half for such a while.

“In the last two games he has been excellent in there with Sio (Manolis Siopis) and it is a bit through lack of options, but it is the right option at the right time and it has given us an element of solidity there.”

Riza is relieved that players are returning to his squad after injury and praised both Joe Ralls and Perry Ng after both came off the bench at home to Coventry after injury lay-offs.

“Rallsy did exactly what I asked him to do – get in the way of things, make blocks and stop through passes and then Perry has come on and gone in at right side of centre half and as right wing back when we changed to a back three at the end,” added Riza.

“We need the players back, we’ve had a hell of a lot of injuries but it is nice to have them back in the squad.”