Kev: We Blew Big Chance

May 18 2008 By Gordon Waddell

CUT-UP Kevin McNaughton last night confessed Cardiff City will never have a better chance to win the FA Cup.

The former Aberdeen full-back (right) was the Bluebirds' star turn in a stamina-sapping Wembley showpiece.

But it was no consolation to the 25-year-old Scot because he reckons Premiership Portsmouth were there for the taking.

Kanu's 37th minute goal, gifted to him by cock-up keeper Peter Enckelman, was all that separated the two sides.

And despite pummelling the big boys in the last 10 minutes as they chased a leveller it wasn't to be for the Championship side.

Scotland squad man Kevin - who bravely soldiered on through agonising cramp in the last five minutes - sighed: "We're gutted because I don't reckon Cardiff will ever come closer to winning the FA Cup.

"Pompey were there for the taking. They were good defensively but didn't have a lot going forward and we contained them to just a couple of chances.

"The difference was that they took one of theirs and we didn't. We tried to push on near the end but it's always difficult, when there are a lot of bodies in the box, to get a clear shot at goal."

McNaughton's one end of season consolation is his inclusion in the Scotland squad to face the Czech Republic next week. He said: "Just getting my foot back in the door is a bonus. The manager has been watching some of our games and obviously rates me and it would be great play for Scotland again."

McNaughton's Cardiff boss Dave Jones was left to ponder what might have been at Wembley but refused to focus on the mistake from Enckelman that led to the Portsmouth winner.

He said: "A slight error has cost us. We gave it everything we had during the game and have done everybody associated with the club proud.

"There wasn't much in it and there's nobody to blame but it's hard to take."