Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay believes that it would be unfair to blame Anthony Gerrard for the Championship side's loss in the Carling Cup final.

The Bluebirds gifted Liverpool victory after Steven Gerrard's cousin missed a penalty following a 2-2 scoreline after extra time.

"There's no need for me to speak to him," the Daily Star quotes Mackay as saying. "I've told them all I'm immensely proud of the way they lost with dignity.

"I think he'll be feeling it as much as anyone else. But it's not about individuals, it's about the team. They stand shoulder to shoulder with each other."

Cardiff will now return to Championship duty with a bid to achieve Premier League promotion by the end of the season.