Cardiff City showed composure, says Paul Quinn
Last updated on .From the section Football
Defender Paul Quinn says Cardiff held their nerve to secure a 7-6 penalty shoot-out win over Leicester City in the Carling Cup.
Quinn scored the decisive sudden death penalty after Gelson Fernandes had fired his spot-kick over the bar.
The game had ended 2-2 after extra-time and Quinn was relieved the Bluebirds secured a place in the fourth round.
"Penalties is a cruel way to end but that's what cup ties are all about," he said.
Cardiff's victory was the second time in 18 months they had beaten Leicester on penalties at Cardiff City Stadium.
The previous occasion had seen the Bluebirds win 4-3 on penalties in the 2009/2010 Championship play-off semi final, when Quinn was an extra-time substitute.
"The last one was a bit more memorable," said the former Motherwell defender.
"It was a tough game and it was difficult to separate the two sides. We were going at each other.
"You've got to be composed. It's a lottery really and the fella who has missed it has tried to smash it.
"He's unfortunate he's got under it and luckily our boys have been composed and stuck it away."
Cardiff will discover on Saturday who they will face in the fourth round, with Quinn saying he would favour a home tie.
The Bluebird had beaten Oxford United and Huddersfield after extra-time in previous rounds, with boss Malky Mackay using the competition to give fringe player an opportunity.
And Quinn, captain against Leicester, believes the League Cup gives players like himself a chance to stake a claim for a regular first-team spot.
"The team is doing well on a regular basis so we've got to prove that we are willing and our attitude is right," Quinn added.
"Three extra-times and we've come through all three and that shows the manager we are working hard and we do want to push forward.
"We want to be part of a successful team. I think the team and the club are going to be successful.
"It's not just the league team ethic - it's a squad ethic we've got here."
