Hungry Colwill 'improving so much' - Barry-Murphy

Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has praised the “hunger” of midfielder Joel Colwill after his man-of-the-match display against Luton Town.

The 21-year-old looked bright from the get go, and turned away from four Luton defenders before picking out David Turnbull for the game’s opening goal.

Not to be outdone, Colwill got on the scoresheet himself late in the first half, wrong-footing goalkeeper Josh Keeley from the edge of the box to restore Cardiff’s lead.

Saturday’s strike was Colwill’s fifth goal of the season, and Barry-Murphy praised his development during the campaign.

“Joel Colwill’s game is improving so much, he has such a hunger to improve,” said the Cardiff boss after the 3-1 home victory.

“”The parts of his game we feel are important to give him the outcomes that he got today are the bits he has been working on.”

Barry-Murphy added: “He arrives in the box all the time and because of that he has to have the ability to make the correct decision.

“He has the technical ability to make it happen like he did today.”

Colwill agreed with his head coach’s assessment, and was delighted in his role in the Bluebirds’ 13th League One victory from 16 at the Cardiff City Stadium this season.

“Since Brian has come in we’ve done a lot of work to help me develop,” said Colwill.

“I like to think I have developed this year.

“I think I’ve come on quite a bit and I’m glad it’s starting to show in games.”

But as much as Colwill was pleased with his contribution, he was quick to point out the collective effort of the team, as Cardiff moved four points clear at the top of League One.

“It was a really good afternoon, we all gave a good account of ourselves,” said Colwill.

“Anything to help the team is a really positive thing, I’m obviously glad to score and assist but ultimately it was the team performance which got us over the line today.”

Rubin’s return

Rubin Colwill scored three goals in 15 League One games before injury [Huw Evans Picture Agency]

Saturday’s win over Luton also marked a welcome return for Joel’s brother, Rubin Colwill.

The 23-year-old was Cardiff’s standout player to start the campaign before injuring his ankle on 22 November away at Northampton.

Victory that day took Cardiff top of League One, a position they have not surrendered despite the absence of the older Colwill.

Now back from injury, both younger brother Joel and head coach Barry-Murphy hope he can pick up where he left off.

“It’s really good to see him back,” said Joel.

“He had a brilliant first quarter of the season before he got injured and he’s going to have a brilliant second half, I’m really excited to see what he brings.

“Having him back will help boost us and get over the line.”

On Colwill senior’s return Barry-Murphy said: “Rubin is a huge figure in our team and for the club.

“He’s come back in incredible condition. It’s about how much we want to expose him to and how soon.

“I think today was about the right amount of time and he’ll improve for it.”

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