Cian Ashford Thrives in Central Role Following Impressive Cup Performance
Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford is relishing his recent shift to a more central position after showcasing his talent in the Bluebirds’ Carabao Cup victory against Swindon. The 21-year-old played a pivotal role in the 3-2 win by assisting Yousef Salech for one of the goals and narrowly missed scoring when his shot hit the crossbar.
Having spent many years in a central role during his time at Cardiff’s academy, Ashford has mostly played on the wing in the first team. Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy praised Ashford as the “best player” on the field against Swindon, a compliment that resonated with the young forward.
“I enjoyed the game; I felt like I got a lot of the ball,” Ashford said. “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.”
He added that transitioning back to a more central position felt natural. “I feel as if I’ve adapted really quickly; I used to play there in the past, so it’s quite natural for me. But I’m happy to play anywhere as long as I’m out there on the pitch.”
Competition for the starting number 10 role is escalating within the Cardiff squad. Wales international Rubin Colwill, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, is a crucial player when fit, while new signing Jack Moylan scored the decisive goal on Saturday.
“Healthy competition is what we’re going to need with the standard of the Championship,” Ashford commented. “We all have to be at our best for the full season. The gaffer wants us to keep playing the same way with the same attitude from minute one to minute 90.”
He concluded with a note of optimism: “We’re going to be really positive, take the confidence and belief from last year and see where it takes us.”
Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford is enjoying playing in a more central role following his eye-catching performance in the Bluebirds’ Carabao Cup win over Swindon.
The 21-year-old assisted Yousef Salech for the second goal in the 3-2 win and was also denied by the crossbar.
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Ashford spent many years playing in a central role with Cardiff’s academy but his minutes for the first team have almost exclusively come on the wing.
Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy said Ashford was the “best player” on the pitch during their win over the Robins, praise that was appreciated by the young forward.
“I enjoyed the game, I felt like I got a lot of the ball,” said Ashford.
“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.
“I feel as if I’ve adapted really quickly, I used to play there in the past so I feel it’s quite natural for me.
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“But I’m happy to play anywhere as long as I’m out there on the pitch.”
There is increasing competition in the Cardiff squad for the starting number 10 role.
Wales international Rubin Colwill is currently dealing with an ankle injury but is a key figure when fit, while new signing Jack Moylan struck the winner on Saturday.
“Healthy competition is what we’re going to need with the standard of the Championship,” said Ashford.
“We all have to be at our best for the full season. 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.”
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