Cardiff City manager Neil Harris left Neil Etheridge out of his team on Sunday due to transfer speculation linking him with West Ham.

The manager told Sky Sports camera “With the goalkeeper, there has been a lot of speculation around Neil (Etheridge). There has been a lot of talk in the press about him moving on this week and it’s just a change to give Alex (Smithies) an opportunity, who has been very patient and good over a number of years in the Championship.

“Also, it’s just giving Neil an opportunity to come out of the firing line because of the speculation around him.”

Etheridge has 65 international caps for the Philippines to his name and has made 217 career senior appearances mostly for Walsall and Cardiff. The London born player started his career at Fulham after switching from Chelsea’s academy in 2006 when he spent three years.

Reports suggest he could be available for around £3.5 million as an alternative to Darren Randolph who is currently injured.