Barry unsure over City future

Published Jul. 29, 2013 7:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Cardiff City's new signing John Brayford says he will relish the challenge of playing Premier League football.

The defender joined the newly-promoted Bluebirds from Derby County in a four-year deal believed to be around Â£1.5million.

And after making his debut during the club's 1-1 draw at Cheltenham on Saturday, the former Crewe and Burton player is now setting his sights on helping Malky Mackay's side stay in the top flight.

"Every player dreams of playing in the Premier League and making the step up," he told Cardiff's offical website.

"It is a nice feeling now that it has happened. I now need to prove myself to the team and the manager and knuckle down and work hard.

"I've had to try and adapt to each different league and this is a new challenge again. I'll try and take it in my stride. I know it will be a tough challenge but hopefully one that I can rise to.

"When you start off in the conference as I did with Burton, you always think 'how far can you go'? It's been a nice journey."

And manager Mackay believes the 25-year-old right-back, who made 117 appearances for Derby, can become an instant hit in South Wales.

"He's a very attack-minded full-back - the best right-back in the Championship last season, consistently in the divisional team of the season - and I think he can kick on with us at Cardiff City," admitted Mackay.

"He can take the step into the Premier League and stay there for a number of years."

The England international has a year left to run on his current contract and despite new boss Manuel Pellegrini reassuring him that he is part of his plans, Barry remains in the dark over his future.

Barry, 32, who joined City from Aston Villa in a Â£12m deal four years ago, admits he is disappointed there has been no offer.

"It's just a case of wait and see, as far as a new contract is concerned," Barry told the Sunday Mirror.

"I haven't heard anything about a new deal from the club, so it looks as though my contract will run out next summer and I'll have to take it from there.

"The manager has spoken to me. He told me that he sees a place for me in his squad as he wants two quality players in every position.

"I've got to admit that, with Yaya Toure, Javi Garcia and now Fernandinho in the squad, it's going to be tough for anyone to nail down a position in central midfield. I'm a bit disappointed that there's been no offer, but I haven't got myself too down about it."