CRYSTAL Palace captain Paddy McCarthy shrugged off the effects of the virus which has spread through the squad to lead the side to a 1-0 victory against Cardiff.

The first leg of the League cup semi-final was decided by Anthony Gardner’s first half header, with Nathaniel Clyne the only player unavailable due to illness.

McCarthy said: “We were nearly at full strength. There were a few lads carrying a bug, Clynie didn’t make the game, but we have enough strength in depth to cope with things like this.

"It was a fair result and a good result to take to Cardiff.

“Before the Leicester game I was struggling and it was one of those things which seemed to spread.

"The gaffer gave us a couple of days off but Mile Jedinak was struggling, I’ve got it as well but hopefully we’re over the worst of it.

“Julian Speroni was the first one to get it before the Millwall game.

"You’re travelling together and in and around each other every day, and there’s been a lot of games over Christmas, so the lads’ immune systems are probably down a bit and these things spread.”

Dougie Freedman’s side were put under pressure by the visitors but managed to keep a clean sheet, meaning a 0-0 draw in the second leg would be enough to take the Eagles to Wembley to face either Manchester City or Liverpool.

McCarthy said: “We are a good, strong defensive unit.

"That’s one of our main points as a team.

"I think Cardiff are pretty similar to us with the way they set up.

"But everyone played their part, not just the back four and the goalkeeper.

"When you see players like Sean Scannell come on and throw his body into a challenge on the edge of the box, it just shows the way this club is going.

"When you have kids who are not defensive players throwing themselves into challenges it gives everyone a boost.

“The manager told us before a set piece would decide the game, and he was right.

“I started my career at Man City but the club is hardly recognisable from my time.

"I had about five years there before I moved to Leicester. I was a Liverpool supporter.

"But the dream is to get to the final, whoever’s waiting for us will be great.

“We’ve got a lot of football to play.

"It’s only half time. We’re in a good position.

"We’re strong at home bit have also turned our away form around this year.

"We can go into the game confident but I’m sure Cardiff will be as well.

"There were two well-matched teams out there.

"We had a right good go at each other and I’m sure it’ll be no different at their place.

“I’m immensely proud leading this team out every week, because I can see how hard the lads are working for each other.

"We’ve got a tough second leg at Cardiff, but we know it would be fantastic to get to Wembley.

“A clean sheet wins the tie, but we can’t go there and be negative as we know Cardiff are capable of scoring goals.

"The manager, Lennie Lawrence and Tony Popovic will set out a game plan, which have been second to none all season.”

With the January transfer window open, there have been rumours linking Wilfried Zaha with a move to a Premiership club, but McCarthy believes the teenager and the other youngsters in the squad are already at the right club.

He said: “Wilfried can go as far as he wants in the game. He is a special talent.

"He’s probably the most naturally gifted player I’ve come across in my career and I’ve seen a lot, but this is the perfect club for him to be at.

"The manager has managed him and the other young lads brilliantly, you couldn’t ask for a better manager to have at the moment and I’m sure he’ll do whatever’s right for Wilfried and the other lads.

“The gaffer’s making them train harder and do all the right things on and off the pitch.

"Every week you see the improvement in these kids and I think that comes from upstairs.

"They’re being managed the right way and I think it would be criminal for them to leave too early.

"The manager won’t hold onto them for too long, if he feels they need to move he’ll do it, but he won’t let them go too early either.

“Wilfried has signed a new contract which shows his commitment to the club, and I’m sure he wants to be involved in the second leg of this fantastic journey we’re on.

"We’re improving as a team and growing as a club and anyone in their right mind would want to be a part of this."

McCarthy has been through two relegation battles, administration and a change in ownership since joining the club, but is optimistic for the future.

He said: “The club is moving forward. Everything’s changing, standards are being raised and everyone’s buying into that, not just the players on the pitch, the staff around the club, everybody.

“We have a lot of nerve-racking nights at Selhurst Park over the last few years, so it’s great to send the fans home with a smile on their face.

“This club deserves to be in the position it’s in.

“The lads stuck together when we were in administration.

"Nobody dropped their head and we all fought tooth and nail to keep this club in the Championship.

"Then along came the new owners, who are four Crystal Palace men at heart, having supported the team since they were boys, so you couldn’t ask for better owners.

"Then you’ve got Dougie, Tony and Lennie.

"The club’s in a fantastic position to move forward.”

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt