Cardiff City’s entry into this season’s Nathaniel MG Cup surprised many but this has presented a massive opportunity for the club.
The Bluebirds, which will be managed in the competition by former Wales international Steve Morison, are competing for silverware.
Usually, this crop of youngsters are playing against those of a similar age, but instead by entering this competition they will feature against sides with plenty to play for.
Neil Harris revealed the influential role he played in Cardiff’s inclusion to the competition: “I was the driving force in making the decision. It’s a Welsh national competition, I think we should be in it.
“If the fixtures give us an opportunity to get some minutes into senior players I will use it, but predominantly it will be used for the U23s to play against men.
“I want to be respectful to the competition and Welsh football as a whole. We discussed it with the FAW, and they were really happy for us to be in the competition and we really appreciate that.”
The Bluebirds haven’t competed in a Welsh domestic competition in 12 years, the last being the FAW Premier Cup in 2008. So how can Cardiff benefit from once again entering a Welsh cup after so long?
Regrowing their Welsh roots
Other than location Cardiff haven’t really stood out as a Welsh squad in recent years, with little to no Welsh internationals in the starting eleven and a lack of academy products making their way into the first-team.
It has improved in recent times under Harris with the likes of Kieffer Moore starting up top, alongside Will Vaulks as well as the introduction of Mark Harris, who has bided his time in the academy, however there is still room for improvement.
The Nathaniel MG Cup offers just that, showing Neil Harris drive to bring the Welsh culture back to Cardiff City, it will give fans the opportunity to see a whole host of Welsh teams and hopefully bring in a wider audience for Welsh football going forward.
Experience and fitness
Cardiff will largely field a U23 squad that will give the young Cardiff players the opportunity to play against some of the best teams that the Welsh domestic game has to offer.
This will also give the Cardiff youngsters the experience of playing competitive football against older players, something that could play a huge part in helping players to come through to the first team.
There is also potential that we won’t only see academy players starting, with player fitness key in the Championship, first-team manager Neil Harris could use the competition as a way to keep squad players fit who aren’t currently featuring for the first team.
Building relationships
Cardiff face a familiar team in Taffs Well on friday, having played The Wellmen a few times in pre season friendlies Cardiff have built a good relationship with the club.
Cardiff could be hoping to do the same with others throughout the course of the competition.
From loaning players out or finding breakout stars to bring into the academy set up, building strong relationships with teams could benefit Cardiff and help to see more Welsh talent coming through in the future.
(Featured Image: Mike James)
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