Colwill is getting by with a little help from his friends
YOUNGSTER JOEL FULL OF PRAISE FOR SUPPORT FROM BLUEBIRDS’ SEASONED PROS
CARDIFF youngster Joel Colwill says the presence of experienced pros around have him have helped him adjust to the rigours of first-team football.
Colwill, along with team-mates Cian Ashford and Raheem Conte, have stepped up to Erol Bulut’s firstteam squad in the past couple of weeks, with Colwill making his Championship bow against Middlesbrough at the weekend.
The midfielder came off the bench against the Teessiders and he says the more established members of the squad have helped him settle into his new surroundings.
“It felt really good to be out there,” Colwill said.
“I’ve been a waiting a long time to make my league debut and to make it is a great achievement.
“I’ve been training with the First Team for the last couple of months, so I’m used to the tempo and the standard of it now.
“To come on next to some experienced players, they helped me with when to go and press. I had a lot of experience around to help me out.”
The elevation of young talent from the age-grade ranks to the first team is a real feather in the cap for the club and bodes well for the future.
Colwill believes everyone involved deserves praise for their roles in the process.
It’s been a really positive few weeks for the academy,” he added. “All the boys have done really well and everyone should be really proud of themselves.
“There have been a lot of debuts this season. The academy deserve a lot of credit and all the staff who have helped us along the way.”
■ MEANWHILE, The Telegraph report that “talks will start soon with Cardiff” over the permanent transfer of Ebou Adams to Derby County.
The midfielder joined the Pride Park club on loan in January and hasn’t looked back since. He helped the Rams seal promotion back to the Championship next season and he has firmly established himself as a fans’ favourite in the east Midlands.
Adams has a year still to run on his Cardiff contract.
“Words can’t describe,” he told BBC
Radio Derby. “I think the fans have said it all. I’ve really enjoyed my time and I’ve loved it here. I’ve loved it. Honestly, I’ve enjoyed every single minute. Thank you to the fans, thank you to the club.
“I owe them so much. I’m happy to give them promotion, because that’s the minimum they deserve. Hopefully next year they can go and do what they deserve to do.”
Asked about his future specifically following the win over Carlisle United on Saturday, he added: “It’s never goodbye from me. I don’t know where I’m going to be.”