Davies delighted by rise of Cardiff youngsters

Isaak Davies says Cardiff City's band of academy products are relishing the chance to shine in Brian Barry-Murphy's first team.

Cardiff continued their unbeaten start to 2025-26 on Tuesday as Davies' stoppage-time goal secured a thrilling victory at AFC Wimbledon.

Davies came off the bench to make the game's decisive contribution after Barry-Murphy picked another youthful squad featuring eight academy graduates.

Davies' strike means seven of the Bluebirds' eight goals so far this season have come from players who emerged from the club's youth ranks.

"You see every week now that the youngsters are performing," said Aberdare-born Davies, who joined Cardiff as a seven-year-old.

"It's good to see boys you have come through the academy with on the pitch.

"The boys really deserved the win. To be fair to Wimbledon they made it tough for us, but the boys didn't stop right until the end and we got what we deserved."

The Wimbledon win was a first away success of the season for Cardiff, who have now taken 10 points from four league games under Barry-Murphy.

That impressive start has lifted spirits following relegation from the Championship last term, with Cardiff thriving despite signing only one player, goalkeeper Nathan Trott, so far this summer.

The next challenge is perhaps the sternest yet for Barry-Murphy's side, who travel to Luton Town – who were also relegated from the second tier last season – on Saturday.

"I think every game in League One is going to be tough," Davies added.

"We need to play our game, focus on ourselves and obviously watch a bit of the opposition as well. We need to carry on doing what we are doing."