Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford is relishing his return to a central role on the pitch after delivering an impressive performance in the Bluebirds' recent Carabao Cup victory over Swindon Town. The 21-year-old made a significant impact during the match, contributing to the team's 3-2 win by assisting Yousef Salech for one of the goals and narrowly missing out on scoring himself when his shot hit the crossbar.
Ashford has a history of playing centrally, having developed his skills in that position during his time in Cardiff's academy. However, since joining the first team, he has primarily been deployed on the wing. His recent performance has reignited his passion for the central role, where he feels most comfortable and effective.
Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy praised Ashford's display, labeling him the "best player" on the pitch against Swindon, a compliment that resonated with the young forward. Reflecting on his performance, Ashford stated, "I enjoyed the game, I felt like I got a lot of the ball. I know it was a ropey game towards the end but I’m pleased with my performance personally and glad the gaffer thought so too."
Despite his success in the central position, Ashford is aware of the growing competition within the Cardiff squad for the number 10 role. Rubin Colwill, a Wales international, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but is expected to be a key player once he returns. Additionally, new signing Jack Moylan made his mark by scoring the winning goal in the match against Swindon, adding to the competitive atmosphere.
Ashford welcomed the competition, noting, "Healthy competition is what we’re going to need with the standard of the Championship. We all have to be at our best for the full season." The Championship is known for its intensity, and Ashford recognizes the importance of maintaining high performance levels throughout the campaign.
Looking ahead, Ashford emphasized the need for the team to carry forward the confidence and belief they built in the previous season. He stated, "The gaffer wants us to keep playing the same way with the same attitude from minute one to minute 90. We’re going to be really positive, take the confidence and belief from last year and see where it takes us." As Cardiff City aims to make a mark in the Championship, Ashford's versatility and determination will be crucial to their success.
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