Cian Ashford Explained

Cian Ashford
Birth Date:24 September 2004
Birth Place:Wales
Currentclub:Cardiff City
Clubnumber:45
Position:Forward
Youthclubs1:Cardiff City
Years1:2022–
Caps1:5
Goals1:1
Nationalyears1:2023–
Nationalteam1:Wales U21
Nationalcaps1:3
Nationalgoals1:2
Club-Update:4 May 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:15:19, 20 November 2023 (UTC)

Cian Ashford is a Welsh footballer who plays as a forward for club Cardiff City. He is a Wales Under-21 international.

Career

Ashford joined the Cardiff City academy at the age of six, signing a first professional contract with the club in June 2023.[1] He had first caught the eye of the first-team in November 2020, when he was called up to first-team training by then manager Neil Harris, impressing with three goals in a 4v4 match with the senior squad.[2]

In August 2023, Ashford made his senior debut for Cardiff City in the EFL Cup against Colchester United.[3] In January 2024, he signed a new contract to keep him at the club until June 2027.[4] On 10 April 2024, he made his league debut for Cardiff in a 1–0 victory over Birmingham City.[5] Following the match, he was described as "the future for Cardiff" by teammate Jamilu Collins.[6] In his third league appearance for the club, he scored his first senior goal, a 96th minute winner from twenty-five yards against promotion hopefuls Southampton.[7]

International career

Ashford made his Wales under-21 debut on 24 October 2023 in the UEFA EURO U21 qualifier against Czech Republic as a 91st-minute substitute, immediately scoring the equalising goal in the 1–1 draw.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cian Ashford agrees first professional contract. www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk. 16 June 2023. 18 April 2024.
  2. Web site: Rising star billed as 'the future for Cardiff City' after debut as Erol Bulut reveals nerves. Wales Online. Williams. Glen. 11 April 2024. 18 April 2024.
  3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66822267 Ashford Cardiff debut
  4. Web site: Cian Ashford extends contract with the Bluebirds. www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk. 19 January 2024. 18 April 2024.
  5. Web site: Birmingham City 0–1 Cardiff City: Josh Bowler strike deepens Blues' relegation fears. BBC Sport. 10 April 2024. 18 April 2024.
  6. Web site: Ashford hailed as 'the future' after making Cardiff City league bow. BBC Sport. 11 April 2024. 18 April 2024.
  7. Web site: Cardiff City 2–1 Southampton. BBC Sport. 20 April 2024. 22 April 2024.
  8. https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/academy-player-focus-cian-ashford Ashford Wales-U21 debut