Paul Evans was surprised he got home in one piece after the Darlington debacle.

"I thought I was going to crash the car on the way back," he said. "Because I did everything else wrong that night."

The Welsh international was his own fiercest critic after City crashed out of the Carling Cup to Third Division opponents for the second season running.

Evans willingly held up his hand for a slipshod display which came hot on the heels of an impressive comeback from the wilderness against Norwich.

"If I was trying to hit the ball 60 or 70 yards and it wasn't coming off then that's one thing, but it was just simple stuff that I couldn't do.

"When I got home and thought about it, I felt absolutely gutted. Nothing had come off and I didn't know why.

"If I had all the answers I'd probably be manager of Manchester United.

"But there's no point in hiding away. I've got a lot to prove anyway.

"Now is the proof of whether I can bounce back. Hopefully I'll be in the starting line-up tomorrow and I'll go out there and give it my all.

"Like Tom Kearney, it's my job in midfield to get on the ball and get the team playing. I'm nearly 29 now and it's time to stand up and be counted."

Evans may have been born just over the border in Oswestry but he is a fiercely-proud Welshman and knows the cauldron that City will face when they run out at Ninian Park.

He said: "When I was a first-year apprentice at Shrewsbury I was a sub down there for the last game of the season. Cardiff had to win it and there were fans crowded round the pitch, it was a really intimidating atmosphere.

"The supporters are fanatical and great when Cardiff are winning but there is obviously a lot of expectation. Sam Hammam has paid out millions of pounds to bring in a host of quality players. But with that money comes

pressure.

"They haven't been in this division for so long and being the first home game everyone will pack the place out and expect them to win.

"But despite Tuesday we've got to go down there feeling positive and I don't see why we can't get a result. If you compare the two teams we are just as good.

"We've got more experience and knowledge at this level so we can use that to put them under pressure."

Evans is well aware of the threat posed by Wales team-mate Robert Earnshaw, who warmed up with a hat-trick against Leyton Orient in midweek.

Evans added: "He's quick and off the cuff and a great finisher. 'Earnie' is probably not the best outside the box but inside it, running at defenders, he is extremely dangerous.

"He can score different types of goals, not just tap-ins but he can also dribble round you or bend them in.

"I'm not going to stick my neck out and say he'll score 30 goals in Division One like he did last season but he's a lively striker and I'm sure he will do well.

"He scored on his international debut, after all, so he can score at any level.

"Danny Gabbidon is also going to be a great player at the back and will definitely go on to the top. And they've got Kavanagh, Thorne and now Alan Lee.

"The first 20 minutes will be vital but if we can keep it tight and create chances, which we didn't do against Darlington, then we can get a positive result. Cardiff lost a few home games last season against teams you wouldn't expect so let's go down there and do a job."