Cardiff City

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His debut was hailed as "brilliant" by a Cardiff City icon and he is a regular in an impressive Wales youth side full of future talent.

And now Bluebirds boss Omer Riza has admitted Dylan Lawlor has become a first-team option after being "surprised" by the 19-year-old's eye-catching display at Premier League Aston Villa.

Lawlor had not played a minute of senior football before he was thrown in against Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins in Friday night's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Villa Park.

Despite the 2-0 defeat, former Cardiff City striker Nathan Blake said there were plenty of positives to take as Cardiff turn their focus back to their Championship survival bid – with Lawlor's performance one of them.

Criticised in recent years for failing to produce enough first-team players, Cardiff fielded six academy products at Villa (not including long-established graduate Aaron Ramsey), with Lawlor in a backline containing Wales Under-19 team-mate Luey Giles.

"He was superb," Riza said of Caerphilly-born Lawlor, who joined the club at the age of seven.

"He surprised me a little bit today with some of the things he did. I know he is a good-quality player and in possession he is really good, and he was very calm and collected.

"But I thought, defensively, he picked up good positions, dealt with one-on-one situations, read the game well. It was a brilliant debut."

Lawlor has had to bide his time at club level but has been part of Chris Gunter's Under-19 team that has reached the Elite group of their European Championship qualifiers alongside Manchester United hot prospect Gabrielle Biancheri.

He was also part of the Wales Under-17 side that reached the Euro finals two years ago, scoring the goal to seal qualification.

Lawlor described his debut as "surreal" but Riza hinted he could now experience more opportunities having had recent availability problems at the back.

"We have had Jesper's [Daland] injury, Will [Fish] hasn't played loads of minutes and he's again played two 90s in a row, Goutas was suspended; we have had a few issues in that position, so it's a good option to have," he said.

"Joel Bagan can do it and Perry can fill in but it's just nice for him [Lawlor]."

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza says the youngsters coming through the squad will be good for both the Bluebirds and for Wales.

Riza handed a debut to 19-year-old Welsh defender Dylan Lawlor in the FA Cup fifth round against Aston Villa on Friday - one of five Welsh players under the age of 24 to feature.

Luey Giles, Isaak Davies, Rubin Colwill and Cian Ashford completed the contingent of young Welsh players to feature in the 2-0 defeat.

Will Fish, Alex Robertson, Yousef Salech and Joel Bagan also played at Villa Park, as nine different Cardiff players younger than 24 played a part.

"They are all working hard and I will give players the opportunity if they work hard and deserve it," said Riza.

"I won't give them the opportunity if they don't, that's not just the Welsh boys that is all the players.

"The boys have been brilliant, it's lovely to see. It's good for the club and good for Wales."

Despite ultimately losing against Aston Villa, the Bluebirds made their Premier League opponents work for the win.

Cardiff had kept the game goalless until 68 minutes in, when Marco Asensio finally gave the Villians the lead.

Asensio's second goal 12 minutes later sealed the win, but Riza took plenty of positives from the Cardiff performance.

"In general we have dealt with a really good side, and done well for most of the game," said Riza.

"I think the momentum we have gained from the cup run has been great for confidence levels."

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Cardiff City manager Omer Riza was glad to leave Hull City "deflated" after his team's crucial win over their Championship relegation rivals.

Cardiff ground out a 1-0 win on Tuesday to overtake their opponents and climb up to 19th place in the table, overtaking the Tigers to move six points clear of the bottom three.

The fact that Hull dropped down to 21st position – just three points above the drop zone – added to the Bluebirds' celebrations as they stole a march in the race for survival.

"The amount of psychological blows we've had against teams over the last couple of months and we've still managed to go to Middlesbrough and get a draw, go to Watford and win," said Riza.

"You could see how deflated they were when we scored the goal because they needed two to win the game.

"They still kept going, probing, but it's always hard when you're 1-0 down, it's deflating for them. I think that was a really good, really important three points for us."

Cardiff were not at their best against Hull but winning in those circumstances was pleasing in its own way for Riza, whose side have often failed to get the results that their better performances have warranted this season.

"I don't think we played well. We did what we needed to do, that's important, we showed that resilience and that togetherness," Riza added.

"They didn't cause too many problems, but I'm just happy to grind out a result and an important three points."

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Iwan Roberts says Cardiff City must be wary of Hull City's sparkling away form as they prepare to face their fellow Championship strugglers on Tuesday.

Hull visit the Cardiff City Stadium in what is a game in hand on all three sides in the second tier's bottom three for both the Bluebirds and the Tigers.

Cardiff are three points and one place outside the relegation zone going into the game, with Hull above their opponents on goal difference.

Omer Riza's Cardiff are without a win in their past four matches, though they are unbeaten in five on their own ground.

But they take on a Hull side who have a far better record on their travels than they do at their own MKM Stadium this season.

"It's only three wins in 20 league games for Cardiff and they have drawn six of their last 10. That's why they are not more points clear of the bottom three," former Wales striker turned pundit Roberts told BBC Radio Wales.

"They have the game in hand at home on Tuesday. It's a massive game.

"If you look at Hull away from home, they have won four of the last five. Those wins have come at Blackburn, Millwall, Sheffield United and Sunderland on Saturday.

"So that is going to be a tough game for Omer and the boys."

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Anthony Patterson's own goal was enough to earn Hull their shock weekend triumph at Sunderland.

That was their sixth away league win this season compared to just two victories at home, one of which was in Riza's game as Cardiff boss back in September.

Cardiff head into the return fixture having secured a point at Plymouth Argyle despite losing Dimitrios Goutas to a red card early in the second half.

While Cardiff had hoped to claim victory against another of their relegation rivals, Roberts felt the draw was a positive result.

"When you look at Plymouth's form at home, that's why they have not been relegated already," he said.

"They were going into this game having won their last three at home and they'd beaten Liverpool in the FA Cup. I think it was a good point."

There's plenty at stake at the foot of the table as Cardiff welcome fellow strugglers Hull City on Tuesday night (19:45 GMT).

The Bluebirds lie 21st, one place and three points above the relegation zone, and behind the Tigers on goal difference alone - with the three sides below them having each played a game more.

The hosts are unbeaten in five home matches dating back to 21 December, though have picked up just two points from their past four Championship games, while the visitors are seeking to follow-up their eye-catching 1-0 win at Sunderland on Saturday.

• Cardiff City have lost each of their past seven league games against Hull City since a 3-0 win in July 2020. Over that stint, the Bluebirds have conceded 17 goals in total.

• Hull City have won each of their past three away league games against Cardiff City, and will be looking to win four in succession for the first time in the EFL.

• Cardiff are unbeaten in their past five home league games (W2 D3); the Bluebirds had lost four in a row at home in the Championship before this.

• Hull have lost each of their past four midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) league games, last losing more in succession from March 2013 to May 2014 (run of 10).

• Hull have won each of their past three Championship games against Welsh clubs, including two against Cardiff (3-1 in April 2024, 4-1 in September 2024). The Tigers last won four league games in a row versus Welsh opposition in March 2017.

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Cardiff City take on Plymouth Argyle on Saturday (12:30 GMT) in what could be a key game in their bid to avoid Championship relegation.

The Bluebirds are three points above the drop zone after no league win in three.

And they travel to Home Park with the Pilgrims – currently bottom but one and level on points with 22nd-placed Derby - enjoying a resurgence in form.

It's a big test for manager Omer Riza, so we asked for views on who should feature – including whether striker Yousef Salech deserved a first start after his point-saving goal against Bristol City.

And after Aaron Ramsey come off the bench to make a big impact in the Severnside derby, is this the moment for the Wales captain to start a Championship game for the first time since August?

Here's a selection of your views:

John: I would start Salech against Plymouth & play Callum Robinson as a 10. What was noticeable against Bristol City was a lack of presence in the box. I'd start with Ramsey on the bench & bring him on later as the game becomes fragmented. Keep it tight to start with & then go for it

Geoffrey: Playing Robinson who is five foot nothing against a 6ft-plus twin centre-halves in the Bristol game was madness. Salech coming on showed the naivety of the manager.

Ivor: Salech should now be given a start. A striker who cost £3m-4m should not be kept as a substitute. Rubin Colwill has shown his tricky play can cause problems for any opponent. Sadly the brilliant Aaron Ramsey is accident prone can give very little help now.

Mike: Start Salech, it's a no brainer - we need all the goals we can get.

Charlie: Start them both. Must-win game and they will both worry Plymouth just by being on the pitch.

Andrew: Why can't Robinson and Salech play together? I would play both of them

Franco: I'd like to see them start with Salech and Robinson playing at 10. Ramsey can sit in behind them, and then build a team around that spine.

Big Lynd: Of course Salech MUST start. To buy a striker in the January window and leave him on the bench is criminal. He has shown in cameos that he can score goals and to play Robinson next to Salech is obvious to me. We leak goals so it is imperative to score more!

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Liam: Salech has to start for me. Robinson was in terrific form but has dropped off a little bit. Salech has made an impact every time he's come on - to have that physicality from the get-go will be essential in my opinion.

Luke: Salech has been outstanding at being in the right place for crosses and he deserves a start. Ramsey was on fire and looked like what the fans wanted, creating the chance for Salech, spreading the play. If he is fit enough, start him at 8.

Carter: Salech definitely has to start, as does Cian Ashford. Defences hate it when opposing players have pace, and this pair both do. My son and I were both there when Ramsey made his debut for Cardiff, so we're big fans. If he's fit, play him every time, but obviously manage his game-time. We must be on the attack from the beginning, show no fear.

Ian: Yes Salech should start along with Ramsey, use Robinson as a false nine. We have to win this match at all costs, we need to go at Plymouth from the start. If he picks a team like the starting XI against Pompey, we will lose.

Blue: As much as I love Ramsey, he is a spit of the player he once was and better to leave him to the bench and release him as soon as possible. Time for a new generation to take us back towards the top of the table.

Cian: Ramsey and Salech are both ready - I think they should start.

Robin: Salech is a find, a great signing, three goals and points every time. But, Robinson can score goals as well. It's the goals we are giving away that is our problem. Easy goals we should be defending!!

Richie: Salech to definitely start alongside Robinson and also start Ramsey, play Alves and drop Ng from the starting XI.

Gary: Salech should start, his goals per game ratio is great and he provides an option to go long into him to hold up and win flick-ons. Colwill should also start at 10 in a 4-4-2 as our 4-3-3 leaks goals!

Mark: Surely starting Salech and maybe bring him off an hour instead of bringing him on to chase the game makes more sense.

Anon: Rambo (Ramsey) doesn't have the legs to start, but he does have the head to win the game. Bring him on at 60-70 minutes to terrify their tired defence.

Alex: Start the best players! Of course Salech should start. Cardiff need goals and points!

Yousef Salech was again Cardiff City's late hero after he snatched a point against Bristol City.

Salech's 90th minute effort was enough to earn the Bluebirds a draw in the Severnside derby, celebrating his first goal at Cardiff City Stadium.

The 23-year-old, who also scored in the FA Cup fourth round shootout win at Stoke City, had previously scored at the death at Millwall to earn a point.

After arriving in January from Swedish side Sirius for an undisclosed fee which is believed to be between £3m and £4m, the striker says he is getting used to the demands of the Championship.

But after seven substitute appearances, is he now ready for a start as Cardiff travel to take on relegation rivals Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Saturday?

If he does, who makes way? Is it time, instead, for Wales captain Aaron Ramsey to return to the starting XI in a league game after swinging the momentum Cardiff's way from the bench against Bristol City?

Who would you like to see Omer Riza start in a key game for the Bluebirds' bid to ease away from relegation worries?

Have your say here, external