RUBIN COLWILL:
"I rolled the ball once on my studs, rolled it again, did a step over and then chipped and bounced it through the gap. I've practiced loads of skills in my life and after a while it just becomes instinct."
Rubin Colwill makes that goal against Bristol City sound pretty easy, doesn't he? Of course, any Cardiff City fan, who has likely watched that clip dozens of times in the intervening couple of days, will know it's not quite that simple. The Wales international just has that something special in his locker.
It's been a crying shame we have seen so little of it over the last 18 months or so. Injury setbacks, manager merry-go-rounds, dips in form, losses of confidence, shooting up half a foot in height, there has been a whole cocktail of reasons why the talented young playmaker has not perhaps embarked on the steep trajectory many had expected.
"I’m really open to criticism," Colwill said. "I’m open to listening and improving my game. We had a chat and went through some clips with me, which was really good. I think that in the last few weeks in training and in the last few games I’ve put myself about defensively without the ball and tried to work as hard as I can to be in positions to win the ball back.
"There are loads of managers who can pick out different things in my game. It’s something he has highlighted and I’ve recognised as a weakness. I’ve really worked hard to improve it in the last few weeks, and I can definitely see a difference. Maybe that’s why I’ve been getting a few more minutes, because he trusts me a bit more.
"It’s obviously frustrating not to play, but the morale and team spirit is really high at the moment so I’m happy that we are doing so well. We’ve had a tough two years, but the atmosphere around the club in general, not just the squad, is really good. We are winning games and doing well, and I’m just happy to be a part of a winning team."
The 21-year-old shot into the team under Mick McCarthy and made a huge splash. He produced some moments of magic and was often the player whom supporters turned to when they wanted that spark. A huge undertaking for such a young player, but also proof of the lack of depth and experience which has plagued the squad in recent seasons.
Having so many options at the top end of the pitch this season after a good transfer window has allowed Bulut to be choosy and challenge players to step in and take the shirt. It has allowed Colwill to progress at his own pace, through all the injury problems, and come out the other side better for it.
"Everyone’s journey is different," he added. "I had a lot of success when I first came into the first team, starting a lot of game and scoring a lot of goals. I had a lot to work on physically, and the injuries didn’t help, but I feel I’ve come through the other end. I’ve learned so much and hopefully it will hold me in good stead for the rest of my career.
"It has been a tough period for me injury wise and fitness wise. I’ve been building myself back to try to get back into the team to do what I was doing a year and a half ago. It has been really tough, but I feel in a good place now. Physically, my body feels good and I’m training every day. I feel I’m getting back to where I know I can be.
"There were loads of different things going wrong. A lot of them were attributed to my growing, because I’ve grown a lot in the last couple of years. I’m just starting to settle down into my body and I haven’t had any injuries recently. I’m doing all my gym work and trying to do everything right to make sure I can do all I can to stay fit and keep improving."
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