German-born striker Michael Gyasi, a former Chelsea schoolboy, has joined Cardiff City on trial.
The 17-year-old made his debut in a Professional Under-23 Development League fixture against Southampton away and scored the only goal of the game.
He could well be given another outing on Thursday when the Bluebirds play Coventry City in a League match at Cardiff International Sports Stadium (2pm).
Chelsea paid £10,000 in compensation to Northampton Town when they signed Gyasi at the age of 11 and has since signed for Leicester City, Nuneaton and Bedford Town.
Trevor Gould, Northampton’s centre of excellence head and the brother of former Wales manager Bobby, said: “Michael is direct, quick and one hell of a finisher.”
Chelsea spotted Gyasi when Northampton travelled to London for an under-10 match, invited him to join them for training and then signed the schoolboy striker.
Gyasi was a substitute for the young Bluebirds against Southampton and went on when he replaced Ogo Obi after almost an hour.
He struck the only goal after 76 minutes, making a late run to the far post and firing home from Danny Rowe’s cross.
Cardiff were awarded a first half penalty, but Saints’ goalkeeper Kingsley Latham saved the Mark Harris spot-kick.
Southampton pressed forward, but came up against visitors who were well organised and disciplined at the back.
Defender Matthew Connolly and winger Kadeem Harris were first team squad members in Cardiff’s starting line-up. Connolly, playing alongside young centre-half Ciaron Brown at the heart of defence, marshalled the defensive unit well, while Harris caught the eye with a driving run and cross which created a chance of Obi.
A number of Championship clubs were keen on 20-year-old tall, combative Brown, who spent time at Sheffield Wednesday and then signed for Cardiff after a trial spell.
Nigerian-born striker Obi, aged 19, attracted interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, while he had a trial at Manchester United when Louis Van Gaal was manager.
He was released by Watford at the end of last season and has been playing for Hemel Hempstead Town. Obi has signed for Cardiff until the end of this season.
Swindon-born teenager Evans, a midfield player who started his career with his home town club and played first team football, was also in Cardiff’s starting line-up.
Southampton: Kingsley Latham, Yan Valery, Will Wood, Ben Rowthorn, Alfie Jones (capt), Aaron Driscoll, Nathan Tella (Siph MdLalise 78), Callum Slattery (Tom O’Connor 78), Michael Obefemi, Will Smallbone, Tyreke Johnson (Olufela Olomola 86). Subs not used: Richard Bakary, Jack Rose.
Cardiff City: George Ratcliffe, Paul Mackay, Rhys Abbruzzese, Danny Rowe, Ciaron Brown (capt), Matthew Connolly (Corey Watson 69), Mark Harris, Jacob Evans, Ogo Obi (Michael Gyasi 57). Scott McLean, Kadeem Harris (Lloyd Humphries 75). Subs not used: Warren Burwood (gk).
Cardiff also defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-2, opening a three-goal lead before former Bluebirds player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scored twice.
Mark Harris scored after 17 and 43 minutes, his second from a penalty, while Kadeem Harris netted just after the half hour.
Emmanuel-Thomas hit back by scoring twice, but City held on to earn the victory.
Striker Rhys Healey was in the starting line-up and played for 82 minutes before being replaced by Jack Bodenham.
The young Bluebirds are in under-23 action against Coventry City at Cardiff International Sports Stadium this afternoon (2pm).
