Cardiff manager Malky Mackay hailed Peter Whittingham's contribution from midfield in scoring all three goals in the 3-1 win over Wolves.
Bluebirds boss confident his hat-trick hero 'can still improve'
Cardiff manager Malky Mackay hailed Peter Whittingham's contribution from midfield in scoring all three goals in his side's 3-1 Championship win over Wolves.
Whittingham scored twice in the first half to cancel out Bakary Sako's early free-kick before sealing the win with an excellent set-piece of his own from 30 yards.
Mackay has already rejected top-flight offers for the highly-rated playmaker from Fulham and West Brom.
But the 27-year-old has extended his contract and boss Mackay is delighted he can keep him at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Overall game
"His overall game from central midfield is why I think he could play in the Premier League," Mackay said.
"It pleases me that we have turned down two aggressive bids from Premier League clubs.
"But he knows where this club wants to go and he is keen to play his part in that and I'm delighted he has signed an extended contract.
"Whitts could be even better if he wants to be. He can still improve.
"He has added more to his game than when he was a luxury player when I was planning teams to play against him."
Wolves reaction
Wolves boss Stale Solbakken was left to pick up the pieces after his side drew first blood but then were simply overrun by a creative Cardiff team.
"We talked long and hard about not conceding stupid free-kicks or penalties and we made stupid errors at important times in the game," Solbakken said.
"We were 1-0 up and we didn't give ourselves the chance to hold onto our lead.
"I'm very disappointed at our stupid mistakes which cost us goals.
"Everyone can beat everyone in this division but we've lost quality players in the transfer window.
Our new players will take time to bed into the side."
