By Gareth James
Rubin Colwill will go straight from the World Cup finals to a tough-looking Championship match for Cardiff City away to Stoke City on Saturday.
Bluebirds manager Mark Hudson has confirmed that Colwill is available for the club’s resumption of their campaign, despite having spent the past month with Wales at the tournament in Qatar as well as the build-up.
Colwill only played nine minutes at the tournament, when he came on as a substitute during the late stages of the 3-0 defeat to England.
So, Hudson says he will have no hesitation in picking the 20-year-old attacking midfielder for the trip to the Potteries.
“We spoke to him and messaged him during the tournament,” said Hudson.
“We told him how proud we were of him and I’m sure his family feels the same.
“Rubin returns fit having played in the World Cup, which is excellent for club and country.
PICK THAT ONE OUT! ⚽💥
What a goal Rubin Colwill for Cardiff City yesterday 👏 pic.twitter.com/wu3BUkTrR8
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 6, 2022
“To have someone who has appeared in a World Cup is excellent. Now he is back with us and available for the weekend. We want to build on his game time going forward.”
Colwill is one the figures that represents the future of the Wales team, having already been to two major tournament finals before he is 21-year-old.
But for now, his focus switches back to domestic football and trying to help Cardiff move away from the relegation zone.
The club are back in 19th place in the table, only outside the drop zone by a single point, having lost back-to-back home matches before the season went into a month-long break.
“I’m looking for consistency from the team, we need points,” added Hudson.
“It’s a long season and we have had this break, I would like to think we can come back better.”
Cardiff will be without Aston Villa loanee Jaden Philogene who is recovering from a hernia operation, but Welsh striker Isaak Davies is nearing fitness after having not played yet this season through injury.
“Isaak being back is exciting news,” added Hudson.
“He has completed his first 45 minutes, which is excellent news. He has still got some minutes this weekend to pick up, which will hopefully be his last one.
“That is his last tick in the box. As soon as that’s done this weekend he will be with us, which is exciting news.
“He is like a new signing. He has looked brilliant. Because we have had 17 new players come in, no one has seen Isaak yet.
“He has trained with us through this period and has looked sharp. He has excited a few of the players we have got.”
