Cian Ashford spoke to the press after his impressive performance at CCS on Saturday, which saw him start in the number ten role just behind Yousef Salech, similarly to the match against AS Roma.
“I enjoyed the game today.” Cian began. “I felt like I got a lot of the ball and I tried to do a lot of different things, so I really enjoyed it. I know it was a bit of a ropey game towards the end, but I'm just glad with the performance personally, and obviously glad the gaffer thought so too.
“I’ve been enjoying the position, obviously there are a few more roles I need to remember, but I feel as if I have adapted quickly because in the past I used to play there, so I feel as if it is quite natural to me.
"When you play out wide it's on the touchline, 1v1, so you are very isolated, but sometimes in the middle of the pitch it can open up on either side, and you are playing off people. Sometimes the defensive side can be a lot harder.”
“I feel as if it is ingrained in me a bit from the amount of games I played in the Academy. I just think taking up those positions, in the pockets and on the half turn, facing the backline and playing off people - it is different, but it’s fun. I enjoy it.”
With Rubin Colwill soon returning from injury and new signing Jack Moylan introduced this afternoon, Cian is looking forward to playing in a highly contested position.
“Healthy competition is obviously what we are going to need because of the standard of the Championship now, so healthy competition is good competition for the lads and the group.” Cian continued.
“Jack has had a couple of sessions now, he seems to be a good lad and I’m sure he is going to be a good addition to the squad for this season and the Championship.”
Cian concluded by looking ahead to the upcoming league season, including our eye-catching home fixture against Wrexham next Monday.
“We'll just enjoy it, hopefully in a packed out Cardiff City Stadium, with a good atmosphere back in the Championship after a good season. All the boys will go into it with a a positive mindset and enjoy the moment, the atmosphere and the occasion.
“We're going to try and be really positive, try and take the performances we played last year, taking them into this year and use the confidence and belief we had last year.
"When the fixtures came out and you look at some of the fixtures we’ve got, the Championship is tough game after tough game, so I think we have to all be switched on and at our best for the whole season.”
Watch more from Cian, Brian Barry-Murphy and Yousef Salech on Cardiff City TV.