CARDIFF City manager Lennie Lawrence says he is seriously tempted to call Newport-born James Collins into his side to meet Rotherham on Saturday to help ease the defensive crisis which has ruined the club's season.

The Bluebirds are now without a win in six games and have lost their last five, a 1-0 defeat against Sheffield United in the FA Cup last Saturday the latest blow.

Defensive mistakes have been a crucial factor in Cardiff's slump and Lawrence admits that 20-year-old Collins may well be the answer to his problem.

"James Collins is closer than many people think to making a comeback into the side," said Lawrence.

"I'm tempted to play him on Saturday but it may not be fair to put that sort of pressure on a 20-year-old."

Collins was a feature of City's early season run but when Cwmbran-born Danny Gabbidon returned from injury the Welsh under-21 international soon found himself relegated to the bench.

But Lawrence feels that sooner rather than later may he have no choice but to recall Collins.

"I'm resolved to give James Collins a decent run in the side," said Lawrence.

"It may not come this Saturday as I don't want to throw him in when we are playing so badly as that would put unfair pressure on a 20-year-old to turn things around.

"But he needs league football and will get a decent run sooner rather than later. He did well earlier in the season and I need to find out whether he is up to playing in the First Division on a regular basis."

The Bluebirds are still only seven points off sixth place in Division One and will be hoping to return to winning ways when Rotherham visit Ninian Park. Lawrence is likely to name the side that lost to Sheffield United last Saturday.

If the transfer of Hereford midfielder Paul Parry, from Chepstow, is completed in time the 23-year-old left-winger will go straight into the 16-man squad.