Callum Chambers: Shift to youth points way forward for new Cardiff City captain

The junior Bluebirds buzzed in their first third-tier test, including stand-in skipper Rubin Colwill (23) and younger brother Joel (20), with the pair starting a league match together for the first time.

And while the likes of Cian Ashford (20), Joel Bagan (23), Eli King (22) and Isaak Davies (23) had tasted league action before, goalkeeper Matt Turner (23) and defenders Dylan Lawlor (19) and Ronan Kpakio (18) really seized their chance.

Now 30, former Arsenal defender Chambers can very much be considered a senior figure at Cardiff City Stadium, but has seen first-hand the value of placing faith in youth having come through a Southampton academy that produced a string of Premier League talents from Gareth Bale to James Ward-Prowse.

“I think it’s just so important for every club to have that pathway,” said Chambers, who was named new captain last week.

“At Southampton, it was so obviously there and you knew they wanted boys to come through and want them to do well.

“I was lucky enough to get that and I think it’s clear there’s one here which is great for the club.”

Chambers said Barry-Murphy – a former academy coach at Manchester City – has promised to give opportunities based on the training ground work, with intensity levels “through the roof” as a result.

“The whole identity of the team, the way we train, the energy, the way we play has completely changed,” he added.