Erol Bulut has heaped praise on Cardiff City’s 19 year old Cian Ashford after his late wonder-strike for Wales under-21s earned them an impressive 1-1 draw with Czechia during the international break.
Ashford has impressed this season. He scored four goals in the Nathaniel MG Cup game against Haverfordwest County – he scored six goals in four games in the competition — and has since had more involvement with the first team, featuring in the games against Colchester United, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers.
The forward, who can play in any of the positions behind the striker, turned 19 last month and will be looking to kick on this season, no doubt. And Bulut believes he has the potential to do that.
“It was a good shot!" Bulut said of Ashford's volley against Czechia. “He’s a good winger. Skilful, quick, strong. Nineteen years old so he can still add to his quality. So he could be one of those players [to step up].”
Cardiff have recently appointed Darren Davies as an individual development coach with a view to bridging the gap between the academy and the first team. That will include Thursday training sessions held with Tom Ramasut, which will see the best academy prospects and fringe first-team players taking part.
“We are looking to the academy because we have few players where they can be with us and help us," Bulut said of the club's young players. "The following weeks we will have some of them in our training sessions. Also they have to be ready if they get the chance because our squad is tight. They could get a chance anytime so they need to be ready.
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