Youngsters out sun in Portugal
linked up with the Bluebirds’ academy as an 11-year-old, but later joined Bristol Rovers’ youth set-up after being let go by his hometown club.
But Lockyer has proved to be a huge hit across the Severn Bridge, helping the club secure back-to-back promotions as well as securing a 10th-place finish in their first season back in League One since 2011.
The 22-year-old is vastly experienced having already chalked up 196 appearances for the Pirates, also being a regular in the Wales Under-21 side, and has signed a new deal.
It’s clear to see by Coleman rates the youngster so highly and wants to bring him into the national fold. A first Wales’ call-up could represent the completion of a truly-incredible circle for versatile attacker Watkins.
The 26-year-old was born in Lewisham, but grew up in Swansea, joining the club’s youth academy in 1999 before signing for Cheltenham nine years later.
But after struggling to make a name for himself with the Robins, Watkins went on to play for Bath City and Hereford United before securing a move to Inverness.
And having caught the eye in Scotland, Watkins made the move to Championship outfit Barnsley in 2015 where he has impressed significantly enough to force his way into Coleman’s Wales plans.
He’s also a man Cardiff City supporters know well given that he has been heavily linked with a move to the Welsh capital with his contract at Barnsley set to expire next month.
Watkins put clubs on red alert when he penned an emotional letter thanking Barnsley’s fans for their support at the end of the 2016-17 season.