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Glen Williams

Cardiff City loan watch as forward given new position and rising talent 'doesn't put foot wrong'

Cardiff City currently have eight players out on loan.

The Bluebirds have utilised the loan system well as they look to plan ahead for next season and beyond, with many of the players currently plying their trade elsewhere set to form part of the first-team fray in years to come.

Steve Morison continues to monitor the progress of all the players out on loan, indeed he insists the club's staff compiles meticulous reports on each player's performance, no doubt with a view to who will be able to make an impact for the side next term.

Here, we take a look at how each player got on at the weekend...

Gavin Whyte

The Northern Ireland international was deployed in a somewhat unfamiliar position during Oxford United's 2-1 win over Shrewsbury.

Whyte was tasked with starting up front alongside Matty Taylor and the decision paid dividends.

Just 11 minutes were on the clock when the Bluebirds man burst through on goal, however his shot was saved before it popped up into Taylor's path for him to volley home.

It won't go down as an assist, but there's no doubt that the 26-year-old's output at the top end of the pitch has improved to no end this term, notching no fewer than 10 assists and one goal so far.

He has been deployed in a No.10 in recent weeks, too, a position in which he has thrived according to those in Oxfordshire. It's a slight departure from the defensive-minded winger Cardiff fans remember.

But he has been a key cog in Karl Robinson's wheel during the U's promotion push - they sit fourth in the table - and is giving Morison and Co a decision to make ahead of the summer.

READ MORE: All the latest Cardiff City news, views and features

James Connolly

This kid really is earning supporters just across the Severn.

Connolly has been an everpresent for Bristol Rovers since he joined the Gas in January, playing 12 consecutive games as Joey Barton's men shot up the League Two table.

The 20-year-old captained Cardiff's under-23s before making the mid-season move to Rovers and it is easy to see why those in the Bluebirds academy thought so highly of him, given his excellent start to life in senior football.

Barton is clearly an admirer and if you take one look at our sister title, BristolLive, his player ratings are consistently high.

After Rovers' 3-0 win over Harrogate Town at the weekend, meaning they are now just three points off second place, BristolLive handed Connolly an eight out of 10 in their ratings.

They said of his display: "Did not put a foot wrong on the ball other than a rare errant pass that spoiled the Gasheads' oles with Rovers dominating possession at 3-0 up."

One potentially out of left field who is sticking his hand up for involvement at Cardiff next term.

Kieron Evans

It's been a frustrating time for Kieron Evans out on loan at Northern Irish club Linfield.

The wide player has largely been reduced to substitute appearances and that was once again the case during the Belfast club's dramatic 3-2 win over Crusaders at Windsor Park.

Evans was brought on in the 71st minute and managed only one shot of note, embarking on a tenacious run before firing his effort straight at the Crusaders keeper.

David Healy's side are top of the table, though, and competition for places is fierce. He has played three times so far, completing 90 minutes only once.

Ciaron Brown

The Northern Ireland international, also at Oxford, has been in and out of the side at the Kassam Stadium since his move in January.

The centre-back has played the full 90 minutes in the previous two matches but was omitted from the matchday squad for the win over Shrewsbury.

The 24-year-old contracted Covid, though, and was unable to feature for the League One side at the weekend.

With his contract up at the end of the season, and young Oliver Denham having signed a new deal, it looks unlikely Brown will be kept on at Cardiff City Stadium.

Keenan Patten

Another who will perhaps be frustrated with his lack of involvement, given he is playing for non-League Hereford FC.

Was brought on in the 84th minute of Hereford's goalless draw at Leamington. He did take one free-kick late on but it was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.

He has started two of his six appearances since moving in January, but will hope to have more opportunities as the season progresses.

Chanka Zimba

The young striker has returned to Northampton Town after a period of injury.

He was prolific for the Bluebirds' under-23s at the start of the season, scoring nine goals before making the move to the Cobblers.

He played three times before missing the next eight games owing to a hamstring issue. Since heading back to Sixfields Stadium, though, he has been unable to break into the side.

Once again, it is an ultra-competitive environment, with Northampton sitting second in the congested League Two table and automatic promotion very much in mind.

ZImba has been an unused sub in the last two games, including Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Carlisle United.

Tom Sang

Tom Sang's St Johnstone did not have a game last weekend due to the Scottish Cup. The Bluebirds player therefore did not feature.

Josh Murphy

Josh Murphy's adopted side Preston played Cardiff City, of course, meaning the winger was ineligible to feature.

He was back at Cardiff City Stadium, though, watching from the sidelines and catching up with friends.

His contract is up at the end of the current campaign, too, but he's managed just 15 minutes of football since October due to injury struggles. He has a few big months ahead.

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