'Exciting' Cardiff City talent told to rise to new challenge
Thu May 28, 2026 3:13 pm
'Exciting' Cardiff City talent told to rise to new challenge
Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips believes Dylan Lawlor has all the attributes to become a top-level defender - but says the Cardiff City youngster must now prove himself in the Championship before any talk of the Premier League becomes realistic.
Lawlor emerged as Cardiff’s breakout star last season and is now widely tipped to become Wales’ long-term centre-back option after an impressive campaign in League One.
The 20-year-old made 32 appearances during a breakthrough season under Brian Barry-Murphy and established himself as one of the club’s brightest young talents as the Bluebirds secured promotion back to the Championship.
Interest and excitement around Lawlor has continued to grow, with many already tipping the towering defender for a future in the Premier League.
But Phillips believes the next step in the youngster’s development will be crucial.
“That’s almost like the learning curve, that apprenticeship again,” Phillips told
“Can he perform on a better level, a better stage where the cameras will be on him a little bit more? I think he can.
“These young players nowadays have got that belief; they’re not afraid anymore. So they like to go and showcase their qualities on a bigger stage, and the Championship certainly is one.”
“You step up from League One, going from League One to the Premier League; if that were to happen, it would be so difficult.
“You want to really have a little experience in the Championship to see if you can cope because, again, the gulf between League One and the Championship is big.”
Phillips described Lawlor as an “exciting player” and believes the defender already possesses many of the physical and mental attributes needed to succeed at a high level.
“He’s an exciting player; he’s 20 years of age,” he added.
“He’s had 32 appearances this season, he’s six foot two, so he has the mould of a good quality centre-back.”
Lawlor is expected to play a key role for Cardiff next season as Barry-Murphy prepares for life back in the second tier, with the manager keen to continue building around the club’s emerging young core.
And Phillips says the Championship will provide the perfect environment to test whether Lawlor can handle the next stage of his development.
“Now it’ll be more of a test for him this year,” Phillips said. “From his character point of view, as well, he needs to show he can play games consistently.
“Can he perform on a better level, a better stage where the cameras will be on him a little bit more? I think he can.
“These young players nowadays have got that belief; they’re not afraid anymore. So they like to go and showcase their qualities on a bigger stage, and the Championship certainly is one.”
Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips believes Dylan Lawlor has all the attributes to become a top-level defender - but says the Cardiff City youngster must now prove himself in the Championship before any talk of the Premier League becomes realistic.
Lawlor emerged as Cardiff’s breakout star last season and is now widely tipped to become Wales’ long-term centre-back option after an impressive campaign in League One.
The 20-year-old made 32 appearances during a breakthrough season under Brian Barry-Murphy and established himself as one of the club’s brightest young talents as the Bluebirds secured promotion back to the Championship.
Interest and excitement around Lawlor has continued to grow, with many already tipping the towering defender for a future in the Premier League.
But Phillips believes the next step in the youngster’s development will be crucial.
“That’s almost like the learning curve, that apprenticeship again,” Phillips told
“Can he perform on a better level, a better stage where the cameras will be on him a little bit more? I think he can.
“These young players nowadays have got that belief; they’re not afraid anymore. So they like to go and showcase their qualities on a bigger stage, and the Championship certainly is one.”
“You step up from League One, going from League One to the Premier League; if that were to happen, it would be so difficult.
“You want to really have a little experience in the Championship to see if you can cope because, again, the gulf between League One and the Championship is big.”
Phillips described Lawlor as an “exciting player” and believes the defender already possesses many of the physical and mental attributes needed to succeed at a high level.
“He’s an exciting player; he’s 20 years of age,” he added.
“He’s had 32 appearances this season, he’s six foot two, so he has the mould of a good quality centre-back.”
Lawlor is expected to play a key role for Cardiff next season as Barry-Murphy prepares for life back in the second tier, with the manager keen to continue building around the club’s emerging young core.
And Phillips says the Championship will provide the perfect environment to test whether Lawlor can handle the next stage of his development.
“Now it’ll be more of a test for him this year,” Phillips said. “From his character point of view, as well, he needs to show he can play games consistently.
“Can he perform on a better level, a better stage where the cameras will be on him a little bit more? I think he can.
“These young players nowadays have got that belief; they’re not afraid anymore. So they like to go and showcase their qualities on a bigger stage, and the Championship certainly is one.”
Re: 'Exciting' Cardiff City talent told to rise to new chall
Thu May 28, 2026 10:07 pm
Good Luck to the Lad - With Us 
