JOHN HOPING TO MAKE BIG IMPACT

Cardiff City starlet Declan John hoping to make a big impact in defence at Arsenal

The Bluebirds' brightest star will again take his place on the left side of defence as the Premier League strugglers head to league leaders Arsenal

Teen defender Declan John will start for Cardiff City in today’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Merthyr Tydfil-born John, 18, was at left-back for the 2-2 draw against Sunderland and looks certain to figure in an unchanged back six against Arsenal.

Andrew Taylor has been rested and caretaker manager David Kerslake said: “Andrew has been carrying a bit of a knock for the last couple of weeks and has been struggling.

“We need to look after his best interests and that gave Declan his chance.

“He is an outstanding young player and we have a lot of hope for him. Declan has terrific pace, can play off the right or left foot and can go inside or outside. We are working to give him real belief in the ability he has.

“I don’t think he knows yet what he’s got under the bonnet right now, but he is an extremely good player.

“At the age of 18 he is mature, a good pro and a good man. When we talk to him he looks you right in the eye and takes everything in.”

John, who has come through the club’s youth Academy, has started in four Premier League matches including the opening match of the season when Taylor was suspended.

Craig Bellamy is also ruled out of the match at Arsenal with a knee problem.

“He is carrying an injury and we are nursing that,” said Kerslake.

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Been a class act so far.

Impressive performance against Sunderland, great to see a local lad coming through.

He definitely looks the part. I just wish we had a real leader in defence to organise them. They were a shambles against Sunderland and an older head might just have helped to keep them calm and composed.

I have always joked with my mrs that we are long distance relations to Declan ever since he popped up in the development team. I think he's my wife's mum's cousin's wife's daughter's fiancee or something. No relation basically but it's been an ongoing joke and as such I've taken a real interest in his career. By all accounts he's a local lad with a big heart so it's great to see him coming through. He looks quality too and I think he could make the left back position his own for years to come.

Thought he was brilliant against Southampton when he came on despite us losing 3-0, and I was thrilled to see him start against Sunderland. One for the future I reckon!