Barry-Murphy praises Cardiff youngsters after opening win

BBC News

3 days ago

New head coach Brian Barry-Murphy praised Cardiff City's young players as they helped him win his first game in charge against Peterborough United.Relegated from the Championship last season, the Bluebirds started life in League One with a 2-1 victory at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.Barry-Murphy picked the youngest Cardiff team for a league fixture this century, handing first starts to the likes of goalkeeper Matt Turner – chosen in front of senior players Jak Alnwick and Ethan Horvath – and midfielder Joel Colwill.Both goals were scored by academy graduates, Rubin Colwill and Ronan Kpakio."To have some of the academy graduates is really beneficial because they feel the club in a way that's different from what I do, based on where I come from, so it's really powerful," said Barry-Murphy."Matt Turner wasn't complicated [as a selection]. I had an idea of certain players before I came to the club. I didn't know a lot about Matt but, since day one pre-season, he's been exceptional."His attitude, in terms of what we asked him to do, his commitment and his skill level as a goalkeeper has been outstanding. Just based on what I saw, he was the clear pick."Joel, we have a lot of competition in that position, but again, his appetite to do the things we've asked him to do and his relentless nature of application was evident."
Having fallen behind against the run of play, Cardiff responded well in the second half as Rubin Colwill – captaining the club for the first time – scored a brilliant free-kick.Kpakio, an 18-year-old right-back, then curled in a fine first-time effort to put Cardiff in front."It was a great goal. His talent is obvious," said Barry-Murphy."I think where he ended up on the pitch for the goal [inside the penalty area] is important for me."He's a really attacking full-back who can be really dynamic and can cause the opposition a lot of problems."So to see him arrive in that position in the second half was what I wanted to see. He has that quality to produce assists and goals."