Wales defender Dylan Lawlor thought he would have to leave Cardiff City to make his breakthrough this season.
Instead, the 20-year-old emerged as one of the key men in the Bluebirds’ return to the Championship.
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Given his chance by manager Brian Barry-Murphy, Lawlor’s assured displays have seen him become first choice for Wales and catch the eye of a number of Premier League clubs amid claims he is destined for the top.
Yet the academy graduate centre-back admits he had not anticipated making such an impact – and was expecting to have to seek a loan move to get regular action.
Having featured 30 times in Cardiff’s League One promotion campaign, Lawlor said: “I was hoping for it but, if I’m honest, I wasn’t expecting [to make that many appearances] here.
“I was probably looking for a loan move or an experience somewhere else in the Football League.
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“But I have got to thank Brian for that, for coming in and putting his trust in me. It’s been unbelievable ever since.”
‘No better coach to work with’
Lawlor – called “super talented” by former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon – is one of a number of young Cardiff players who have blossomed under ex-Manchester City academy coach Barry-Murphy.
The Irishman said he was aware of an emerging group of youthful talent at the Welsh club – which he described as ranking among the best in Europe – before he took the reins at Cardiff City Stadium last summer.
But Lawlor says the 47-year-old deserves greater praise for turning around Cardiff’s fortunes and leading a re-energised team back to the second tier at the first attempt.
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“He’s been unbelievable,” said Lawlor, who has been in Cardiff’s youth ranks since the age of seven and signed an improved three-year deal in August.
“I think everyone’s bought into what he’s done from the first day he walked in; his change of mentality, the way he sees the game, the way he’s handled us all.
“He’s been unbelievable and he probably doesn’t give himself enough credit for the season we’ve had.
“And for me personally he’s been massive. I don’t think there’s a better coach to work with in your first season.”
Brian Barry-Murphy has developed Cardiff’s young talent since becoming manager [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Lawlor says he hopes Barry-Murphy is not lured away by rival clubs after making such a mark in his first year in south Wales, adding that there is genuine excitement about next season.
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But Lawlor said there is still a focus on the remaining games, despite having already enjoyed promotion celebrations along with others who have gone from young hopefuls to key men.
“It’s hard to put into words going from playing with some of the boys through the academy to being part of the first team alongside them, it’s been unbelievable,” he said.
“I suppose you dream of that.”
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