" Where is Cardiff City's Starlet? "

Where is Declan John? The Cardiff City starlet desperate to prove to Russell Slade and Chris Coleman what he can do

2 NOV 2015

BY DANIEL BEVAN



Now with Fabio out


The case of Declan John is a curious one. He was the starting left back at the beginning of our 2013/14 campaign, but somewhere along the line he became third choice and is struggling to find games.

John was Malky Mackay’s first choice left back but the two manager changes that we have seen since then has seen both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Russell Slade bring in a player in that position, in Fabio and Scott Malone respectively.

Fabio has become a cult hero among the Cardiff City faithful this season and defines the type of player that all fans want to see - someone who never gives up.

Scott Malone has made a name for himself as an attacking alternative down the left and he links up very well with Joe Ralls on that side. His wonder goal that equalised in the last minutes against QPR will also be replayed in highlight reels for seasons to come.


Russell Slade calls for improvement in youth setup


So where does that leave Declan John? According to Russell Slade the best thing to do for a player who is too good for the academy is to let them go out on loan, which is what he did last season, joining Barnsley.

Not many players can boast that they have more League One and Premier League appearances than Championship appearances.

Even if Russell Slade wants John to go out on loan I am not convinced that that is the best course of action for him. He clearly wants to make it to Euro 2016 – what Welsh player doesn’t? But he needs to be playing more.


Fabio was carried off the pitch against Ipswich and needs a scan on his foot. Looking at the injury he must be out for a couple of weeks, meaning now is the time for John to set up and beat Scott Malone to the team sheet.

Would you like to see Declan John play?
YES
NO

He is only 20 and he has plenty of time to evolve as a player but how knows when the next time Wales will qualify for a major tournament will be? And any player would want to break into his national time as early as possible.

He has two appearances for the Wales National Team so far and both were in 2013, making his debut against Macedonia. He now has to prove to Chris Coleman and Russell Slade that he has what it takes to play for Wales and Cardiff City.

Declan John cannot be described as a starlet by any means

He's a squad player at best who doesn't really have a position

He can't defend so maybe he's the striker we are craving

He is a wing back, Slade is set with a solid 442. Fabio is also a wing back but at a much higher level. Malone is a 442 full back.

He will get onto the bench, but that's it.

I would try him as a LM, move Ralls inside with Whitts and Pilkington on the right. That's pretty solid. Put Ameobi and Jones up front.

starlet

Never rated the kid as a LB, not seen him as a winger so cant comment however can say the way he's been treated by the club is shockingly bad.

Underrated, as usual. Not playing so deemed crap by a lot of our fans.

Sell him then. Then maybe Wales will benefit - As no one does at the moment.

He was playing very, very well in our promotion year. Then did a decent job v Hazard and the rest in the premier league.

Not even taking in the fact he has just turned 20.

Yes. If he was played regularly I'm quite confident he would be a star.

I personally think he's more than good enough to play at full back.

Many people on here who can't see past their own nose are judging him playing at 18 years old in a tough Premiership season. It's clear to see his potential is massive and he could be great player for us.

Declan John did not look out of place in the Premier League, he looked more comfortable than some of the senior players.
He was only young so it was to be expected that he would not play all of the games.

I saw him play recently for the reserves when he and Kennedy looked streets ahead of anyone else in the team, including Gunnerson.

Both Declan and Kennedy deserve more game time.

Good point about John in the Premiership. Some players - like Gunnars - looked totally lost, while Declan did quite a good job. Maybe with Fabio injured he'll have a chance. Fabio has improved defensively, so can John.

Hes a winger and should be on the bench at least i would put him ahead of Noone at the minute.

Underrated, as usual. Not playing so deemed crap by a lot of our fans.

Sell him then. Then maybe Wales will benefit - As no one does at the moment.

He was playing very, very well in our promotion year. Then did a decent job v Hazard and the rest in the premier league.

Not even taking in the fact he has just turned 20.

Yes. If he was played regularly I'm quite confident he would be a star.

Didn't play in the promotion year and in my eyes was quite inconsistent in the Premier League, I would agree with you though that he should probably sold for the benefit of the country at this rate

Hes a winger and should be on the bench at least i would put him ahead of Noone at the minute.

Not a winger

Hes a winger and should be on the bench at least i would put him ahead of Noone at the minute.

Not a winger

Well he can't defend so I wouldn't consider him a wingback either but he's decent enough going forward so what is he then?

Hes a winger and should be on the bench at least i would put him ahead of Noone at the minute.

Not a winger

He's not a out and out fullback either so what is he?

Underrated, as usual. Not playing so deemed crap by a lot of our fans.

Sell him then. Then maybe Wales will benefit - As no one does at the moment.

He was playing very, very well in our promotion year. Then did a decent job v Hazard and the rest in the premier league.

Not even taking in the fact he has just turned 20.

Yes. If he was played regularly I'm quite confident he would be a star.

I totally agree with you, furthermore over the years fans take to local heroes, all Declan needs is a run in the team, and some guidance and encouragement, it would also inspire young lads to want to play for the city and not the club 40 miles down the M4

Hes a winger and should be on the bench at least i would put him ahead of Noone at the minute.

Not a winger

Well he can't defend so I wouldn't consider him a wingback either but he's decent enough going forward so what is he then?

hes obviously a left back

Hes a winger and should be on the bench at least i would put him ahead of Noone at the minute.

Not a winger

Well he can't defend so I wouldn't consider him a wingback either but he's decent enough going forward so what is he then?

hes obviously a left back

Well hes not a good one.

He had a shocking 2nd half against Norwich last season when we threw away a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 4-2.

It is from that display that the doubts out Declan can be traced backed to.

There might have been circumstances that we didn't know about (was he carrying an injury?) but the doubts remain

He had a shocking 2nd half against Norwich last season when we threw away a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 4-2.

It is from that display that the doubts out Declan can be traced backed to.

There might have been circumstances that we didn't know about (was he carrying an injury?) but the doubts remain

Exactly hes never impressed me once defensively hes a winger he is good going forward.

Hes a winger and should be on the bench at least i would put him ahead of Noone at the minute.

Not a winger

Well he can't defend so I wouldn't consider him a wingback either but he's decent enough going forward so what is he then?

hes obviously a left back

Well hes not a good one.

finally we agree on something

Hes a winger and should be on the bench at least i would put him ahead of Noone at the minute.

Not a winger

Well he can't defend so I wouldn't consider him a wingback either but he's decent enough going forward so what is he then?

hes obviously a left back

Well hes not a good one.

finally we agree on something

Thats a relief.